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Mercedes Stagnated at COTA, Says Lewis Hamilton After Qualifying Disappointment
Mercedes find themselves in an intense battle with Red Bull this season. The Silver Arrows seemed to have lost touch of dominating the track every race weekend, and Lewis Hamilton feels that they have become stagnant or their rivals have become better.
In the qualifying session on Saturday, the Brackley-based squad was beaten by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver beat the 7-times world champion for pole position, while Hamilton had to settle for second place.
Lewis Hamilton feels their rivals have improved this season
The Toto Wolff-led team failed to make an impact in the quali session in Austin on Saturday. Verstappen stole pole position, while Hamilton will see the five-red lights from second on the grid. Hamilton feels that the reason for their drop in performance is due to them being stagnant or their competitors have improved.
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton waves after qualifying in second place REUTERS/Brian Snyder
As quoted by Speedweek, Hamilton said, “Good question. We were good on Friday, but then either the others got better or we stagnated. I’m sure part of the problem is tire overheating, but that’s pretty much the same for everyone. Ultimately, it is not entirely clear to me why things are not going as planned. “ (Translated from German)
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A tough weekend for the Knight at the US Grand Prix
Hamilton was hoping to set the fastest lap in the quali session, but his chances at pole position was snatched away by his arch-rival. Now, the Mercedes driver is aiming to redeem himself tomorrow by beating Verstappen as they zip around the Circuit of the Americas.
Hamilton is well aware of the 6-point gap that exists between him and Verstappen in the driver’s championship. Hence, he will throw everything at him once Sunday’s race gets underway.
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying REUTERS/Brian Snyder
With a few hours to go for the United States Grand Prix, what is your prediction for the 7-times world champion as he prepares to battle it all out on track once again this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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