Lewis Hamilton “really happy” as Mercedes maximizes Belgian GP Qualifying

Mercedes has been on a noticable upward trajectory since the last few races.

Lewis Hamilton “really happy” as Mercedes maximizes Belgian GP Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Mercedes has started to perform extremely well after facing a performance slump at the start of the 2024 season. The team has scored great points and also amassed two race victories recently. Additionally, Lewis Hamilton saw a great end to the Belgian GP qualifying after scoring a P4-worthy lap time. Hence, this fact further delighted the Briton as the team maximized performance.

Lewis Hamilton‘s fourth-place lap time will grant him a P3 start due to Max Verstappen‘s ten-place grid penalty. Hence, the 39-year-old was surprised, and almost forgot about the penalty. Apart from this, Mercedes stuck to an unconventional strategy and used old tires compared to the other drivers running on fresher compounds.

P3 tomorrow? Oh yea, I hadn’t thought about his penalty!
Lewis Hamilton said during the post-session interview.
YouTube video

Additionally, Hamilton pointed out that the rival drivers’ fresher compound enabled them to have a better lap time. Regardless, the Briton was very satisfied with a P3 start for the Belgian GP as the team worked as hard as they could. Subsequently, Mercedes will aim for the race win amidst their highly promising pace improvement.

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But otherwise, I’m pretty sure the three guys ahead of me were all on new tyres. I’m really happy with it, we worked as hard as we could, and that was the best we could get.
Lewis Hamilton added.
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Lewis Hamilton pointed out shortcomings of Mercedes in Belgian GP qualifying

Brackley has continued to provide the two Silver Arrows with the best possible opportunity for the race victory. However, the uncertain conditions at the Belgian GP qualifying posed multiple challenges to the team’s strategy. Both drivers were out too early in the Q3 session and thus, had to pit quite soon due to the rain.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Regardless of the issues, Hamilton highlighted that it was a ‘good session’ and noted the places where Mercedes failed to predict the weather and the strategy correctly.

Generally a good session. We tried to predict the weather as best we could and be out on track at the perfect times. But, for example the last run we were the first out, we were out too early and then we didn’t have a new set, which the others did.
Lewis Hamilton concluded.

Mercedes can continue to gain control over their position in the constructors’ championship amidst promising performance. The team has lost out on major points due to the disappointing start to the season. Regardless, Brackley will try their best to catch up to the front of the 2024 championship tussle.

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