Mercedes has provided insights into Lewis Hamilton’s underwhelming qualifying performance in Miami, attributing it partly to a sudden gust of wind.
Despite a strong showing in Q2, where he secured the second-fastest time, Hamilton slipped to ninth on the grid during Q3. Andrew Shovlin, the team’s head of trackside engineering, revealed that the combination of a tailwind and the tire’s sensitivity significantly hampered Hamilton’s performance on his only lap with soft rubber in Q3.
Shovlin elaborated on the impact of the wind gust, explaining that it reduced the car’s downforce as Hamilton approached turn 11, causing oversteer and heating the tires. This rise in temperature became problematic in the subsequent tight, twisty section of the track, leading to a loss of grip. Shovlin expressed frustration over the missed opportunity, noting that Hamilton couldn’t attempt another lap on soft tires due to limited supply and opted for a run on the harder medium compound instead.
The decision to utilize mediums in Q3 was prompted by their exhaustive use of softs earlier in the session, a consequence of strategic considerations following challenges faced during sprint qualifying. Despite initially viewing the medium compound as less favorable, Mercedes found it to be Hamilton’s best chance following the setback in Q3. The team was reassured by the medium’s consistent performance, believing it wouldn’t significantly impact Hamilton’s race prospects.
