P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton was confused at where he lost half a second to Red Bull. Mark Hughes analyses his lap to reveal the answer, while Hamilton’s demeanour and body language also hint at some positive signs…
Lewis Hamilton had a strong performance in the Formula 1 qualifying session, showing improvements compared to earlier races. He surpassed his teammate George Russell for the first time in 2024 and displayed competitive times, nearly challenging Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, his realization of a half-second gap to Red Bull in Q3 came as a shock. Despite starting from the seventh position on the grid, Hamilton believed his car’s performance was better than the grid position suggested. Reflecting on his lap, Hamilton acknowledged the tire management challenge on Suzuka’s demanding layout, which affected his overall performance. The emphasis on tire preparation and driver skill was evident, with Max Verstappen’s strategy showcasing significant advantages at critical points of the race track. The intricate balance between aero load, tire temperatures, and driving finesse ultimately played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the session.
