Hamilton Adopts New Strategy for Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying, Shows Promise for Mercedes
In a strategic shift during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton showcased a positive qualifying performance, revealing his decision to take a fresh approach.
Hamilton, though securing seventh place in the qualifying session, narrowly missed out on a top-four spot by a mere one-tenth of a second.
Following a challenging outing for Mercedes in Australia last month, where Hamilton described it as “one of the worst sessions for a long time,” the team and driver sought new solutions.
Known for his willingness to make significant setup changes in pursuit of improved performance, Hamilton opted for a different tactic this time at the Suzuka Circuit.
Expressing his satisfaction, Hamilton remarked to the media, including RacingNews365, “It’s been a night and day different weekend so far, just in terms of how comfortable I’ve felt in the car.”
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts within Mercedes, Hamilton highlighted the meticulous analysis conducted to optimize the car’s performance. He emphasized the importance of finding the right balance, particularly on a demanding track like Suzuka.
Contrary to his past experiments, Hamilton focused on making sensible adjustments, which he believes have paid off, despite his hope for a more substantial lead.
Encouragingly, Mercedes showed unexpected strength in the first sector during qualifying, contrary to expectations of struggles through high-speed corners.
Hamilton expressed his delight, stating, “Sector one is the best sector of any circuit. It’s absolutely incredible when the car is where you want it to be.”
He further emphasized the significance of Suzuka as a testing ground, exposing the car’s limitations and areas for improvement, which he plans to discuss with his engineers for further refinement.
Hamilton’s strategic adaptation and Mercedes’ promising performance in qualifying suggest a potential shift in dynamics for the Japanese Grand Prix, setting the stage for an exciting race day.
