Lewis Hamilton offers the Las Vegas GP a robust defence, affirms it ‘proved the critics wrong’

The Las Vegas GP has produced a decent race with overtakes and a last lap battle.

Lewis Hamilton offers the Las Vegas GP a robust defence, affirms it ‘proved the critics wrong’

Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

The Las Vegas GP has garnered criticism, particularly from F1 champion Max Verstappen, decrying the circuit and prioritizing entertainment over sport. Additionally, the race encountered legal issues, including a class-action lawsuit over a canceled practice session and closure to spectators, prompting frustration and more legal action. However, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton emerged from the tumultuous Las Vegas GP with mixed emotions but defended the race from the criticism.

In the tumultuous first-corner frenzy, Lewis Hamilton lost ground as cars collided and spun. Opting for hard tires added to the challenge, but he skillfully navigated the chaos. Despite setbacks, the seven-time world champion executed a remarkable recovery, highlighting his car’s strengths. “A pretty challenging race,” he admitted, describing a substantial hit from behind early on. 

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Apologizing for the team’s disappointing qualifying, Hamilton acknowledged the inherent difficulties in extracting peak performance from their car. His seventh-place finish, classified after a teammate’s penalty, was a testament to his tenacity. “I had a positive race,” he shared, emphasizing the unexpected enjoyment on the track. The race, akin to Baku but better, offered ample overtaking opportunities.

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Contrary to naysayers, Hamilton defended the Vegas Grand Prix, asserting;

There was so many overtakes. For all those that were negative about the race that said it was all show, blah, blah, blah this provided them wrong.

The event was shamed for prioritizing entertainment over sport and faced legal challenges and community concerns. Despite this, Hamilton’s perspective on the race’s positive elements aimed to reshape perceptions and highlight the thrilling on-track action.

Lewis Hamilton details race challenges post-first lap chaos and the incident with Oscar Piastri

Hamilton shared his thoughts on the tumultuous Vegas GP, detailing his challenges after the first lap chaos and the crash with Oscar Piastri. He said;

After that, I was making my way back and doing great, the tyres were feeling good and the pace was strong. I went up the inside of Piastri... I don't really know exactly what happened but I got hit from behind.
Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton's crash the Las Vegas GP
Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton crash the Las Vegas GP (Credits:X)

Describing a critical moment, Hamilton explained;

I didn't have a puncture immediately so I was accelerating but as I got alongside the pit lane entry I felt the rear was moving and thought, 'Damn, it's too late to come in.' So I had to do a whole slow lap and must have lost 40 seconds or something.

Hamilton’s journey through the Las Vegas Grand Prix encapsulated the highs and lows of motorsport. Starting on the back foot, he battled adversity, showcasing his skill and determination. The race, with its unexpected delights and overtaking drama, served as a microcosm of Hamilton’s resilience in the face of challenges, challenging preconceptions and leaving an indelible mark on the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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