Lewis Hamilton has stated that the tyre degradation he suffered
during the sprint race in Sao Paulo was among the worst he’s ever
experienced. Hamilton started the race from fifth on the grid,
equipped with the Soft compound in a choice that mirrored much of
the field. However, the seven-time World Champion struggled for
pace during the 24 laps and classified in seventh after being
overtaken by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and AlphaTauri’s Yuki
Tsunoda. In the second half of the race, Hamilton’s rear end was
consistently stepping out as he exited corners, while he was also
suffering from understeer in the mid-part of the lap. “It was a
very tough race,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.com .
“We got a good start, we tried to get the right balance of the wing
but just [had] a lot of understeer, a snap of oversteer. In the
middle sector [I had] huge understeer “I don’t know whether we got
the set up wrong but it is what it is.” With cooler conditions set
to be present at the Intelragos Circuit on Sunday, Hamilton is
doubtful that it will help him during the Grand Prix. “I don’t
think that’s going to do much for us,” he said. “It’s one of those
circuits that is challenging for tyres but that’s the worst
degradation I think I’ve ever had here. “I don’t remember the last
time I had that kind of degradation.” Hamilton ‘happy’ season
almost over Mercedes’ disappointing race follows from positive
outings in the United States and Mexico, with Hamilton taking the
chequered flag in second for both races (before being disqualified
from the US result). Hamilton suggested that he is looking towards
the end of the year to be rid of the W14 amid its fluctuating form.
“The last couple of races we’ve been getting excited about
progressing and it’s been really positive to see,” he said. “We
come to another track and this you have the worst degradation that
you have had for ages. “You just don’t know what to expect. But
only a couple more races with this car, so I’m happy.”.
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