Hamilton “lacking confidence” with his Mercedes in Jeddah

The Briton experienced “a difficult day of testing” at the wheel of his Mercedes W15 with an unstable rear end, and hopes to find a solution before qualifying.

Published on 08/03/2024 à 10:37

Dorian Grangier

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Hamilton “lacking confidence” with his Mercedes in Jeddah

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

It didn't take very long to hear Lewis Hamilton complain about the behavior of his car this season. The Briton, author of the 8th time in Free Practice 2, more than six tenths of the reference set by Fernando Alonso, lacked rhythm in Jeddah, but above all stability with the Mercedes W15. Regularly in difficulty with his mount, the seven-time world champion suffered several scares during the day, and declared that he had “a difficult day of testing” ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“I lack confidence with the rear of the car, in the settings, he explained. We worked from one session to the next and modified the car extensively. But the underlying problem is the rear of the car which I struggled with. So I had some hot moments. In these high speed areas you have to have complete confidence in the car and I haven't had that yet. »

Hamilton in pain against Russell

At the end of this first day of testing on the Jeddah Corniche circuit, Lewis Hamilton suffers from the comparison with his teammate George Russell (2nd time, 0 behind Fernando Alonso), much more comfortable with the Mercedes. “George is obviously much happier with his car, underlines Lewis Hamilton. We went in different directions today, we're all trying different things to find the right solution for the car. But all I want is a stable rear end and then I'll be happy, so that's what I'm working on. »

Lewis Hamilton also almost caused a big accident with Logan sargeant during Free Practice 2. The American came close to colliding at full speed with the Briton, who was idling in a fast curve. If the driver was simply reprimanded, Mercedes was fined €15 for having committed a “serious breach”.

ALSO READ > Verstappen to replace Hamilton at Mercedes? “It wouldn’t make sense” according to the Englishman

Dorian Grangier

A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.

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