P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Upgrades gave Hamilton more confidence ‘to throw Mercedes F1 car’ around
Mercedes introduced a new floor design at the United States Grand Prix in Austin in pursuit of performance improvements for both the end of the 2023 season and next year’s car. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have both struggled with confidence in the car, especially in high-speed corners. Hamilton’s performance in Austin showed signs of progress, although he was later disqualified for excessive floor plank wear. The floor upgrade not only provided increased rear downforce but also gave Hamilton more confidence, improving his lap times. The upgrade is part of Mercedes’ experimentation process for next year’s car, with team principal Toto Wolff noting positive indications for their direction. Despite Hamilton’s strong performances in Austin in the past, Wolff believes the upgrade also played a significant role in his standout performance.
Source: motorsport
