Lewis Hamilton is disappointed with his ‘pretty bad’ sprint qualifying result in São Paulo. The British world champion only made it as far as SQ2, and therefore starts the sprint race from the eleventh position. Hamilton has already given up his confidence in the W15.
Friday at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace did not go as the seven-time world champion had hoped. The Mercedes driver complained during the first free practice about pain caused by the bumpy track, which led Mercedes to make a set-up change to his W15. The Brit then did not get further than SQ2 in the sprint qualification.
Hamilton therefore labeled his result as “pretty bad” after the qualifying session, in front of the present media. “It was the same as every qualification for me. I’m not happy with it, but I just don’t have confidence in the car. It’s a big struggle for me.”
New Asphalt
In addition to the W15, Hamilton also had to contend with the new asphalt at Interlagos. The circuit in São Paulo has been resurfaced this year, but according to Hamilton, the track has not improved. “They didn’t really do a great job,” said the British driver. “It’s bumpy for everyone. The driving was pretty bad for everyone.” Verstappen had previously explained how the new asphalt also cost him lap time.
Hamilton reveals that Mercedes did lift the W15 to prevent further pain for the driver, so “it was a bit better because it wasn’t hitting the ground so hard. So I didn’t have any pain or anything like that, but in the corners, it hops. It’s very difficult to drive.” The driver hopes to make some “progress” on the grid in the sprint, but is still unsure of his chances.
