Lewis Hamilton: “I’m working behind the scenes on a decisive step”

Finishing fourth in the US Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday, Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed out on the podium. Had he managed a better starting position than fifth in Saturday’s qualifying and had the race gone differently, a podium finish would probably have been on the cards. Despite the disappointing fourth place, the seven-time world champion appeared satisfied after the Austin race.

Hamilton praises Ferrari’s strategy

Hamilton: “We did a really great job with the pit stops and the strategy. And we obviously had decent pace today, especially in the final stint. If I’d had that in the first two stints, I’m sure I’d have finished on the podium, I think.”

Battle for the F1 runners-up spot

With a few adjustments to the wing settings during the pit stops, Hamilton improved as the race went on. And looking at the season as a whole so far, Hamilton has improved step by step. With five races still to go, Hamilton is one of only two drivers who could, at least in theory, still challenge Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) for the title. And with just one point separating him from Mercedes driver George Russell, Hamilton has an excellent chance of finishing as runner-up in the World Championship. Alongside Russell and Hamilton, Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and, some way behind, Lando Norris (McLaren) are also still in contention.

Hamilton is convinced he is on the right track. Speaking after the Austin race, the Briton said: “I think the team has done a really, really good job. I’m also working behind the scenes on a crucial step to steer the car in the right direction for next year. So I’m really focusing on areas where we need to improve the car for next year.”

Hamilton: “That was also part of the discussions this weekend. Over the next few weekends, the feedback to the lads designing the parts for next year will show them exactly where we can still make improvements to the chassis itself. And to the aerodynamic package. Of course, they’re working hard to improve our engine for next year. I think that if we can somehow manage to close the gap with the engine, we’ll definitely be in contention for wins in the coming races.”

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