P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton believes he now knows the weaknesses Mercedes must improve on its W15 Formula 1 car amid an “encouraging”
Despite optimism about the improvements made to Mercedes’ 2024 charger, the team has faced challenges at the start of the season. Lewis Hamilton, with eight points in the first three races, has been puzzled by the car’s narrow operating range leading to fluctuations in performance. However, Hamilton was pleased with the car’s handling during practice at Suzuka, out-qualifying George Russell and securing seventh on the grid. Hamilton attributed his better performance to avoiding extreme setup changes this weekend, resulting in a more comfortable driving experience. The Briton expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the team in finding the right balance for the car, especially on a track like Suzuka. Despite still being behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in qualifying, Hamilton sees the improvement as a positive sign for Mercedes’ competitiveness.
