Lewis Hamilton confused but concerned after Mercedes qualifying
The seven-time world champion will start the Imola Grand Prix in 8th position. In the interview zone after qualifying, he used his characteristic second degree to describe his team's performance.
Mercedes’ weekends are hardly readable. Very often quite performant on Fridays, they struggle as soon as the sessions truly matter. Lewis Hamilton could have been eliminated from qualifying as early as Q1: he was the last qualifier to move on to Q2. Eventually, he made it through to Q2 and then to Q3 not without difficulty. 8th fastest time in Q3, he will start the Grand Prix behind Yuki Tsunoda and George Russell. His fastest lap was 7 tenths slower than poleman Max Verstappen.
« It’s something we don’t quite understand, starting from Friday… In fact, on Friday we seem a little faster, then on Saturday, we seem to lose some time compared to the others. George was quite quick, so I think he found the settings he wanted.
I am here to help this team
Questioned about his involvement, given that he will be leaving for Ferrari next year, he was categorical: “Nothing has changed. We still have our big meetings at the factory. I still really enjoy working with everyone and having discussions with them. The team has been really, really great. I am here to help the team progress this year, as well as next year.” With a mischievous smile because yes, next year it will be without him.
Remains to be seen if his work will pay off for the race. He seems more relaxed than ever in Imola, receiving a lot of support, already, from the Tifosi.
