Despite encountering a setback during the final round of qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton managed to secure a sixth-place finish in the race.
Hamilton’s qualifying performance took a hit as he struggled to replicate the pace he had shown in Q2, with wind conditions playing a significant role in his final lap.
The seven-time world champion showcased a strong performance in the second qualifying round, securing the second-fastest time. However, he faced challenges in Q3, dropping to eighth position with a lap time four tenths slower than his Q2 effort. Hamilton found himself nearly a second behind Max Verstappen, who clinched pole position.
The impact of wind conditions became evident during Hamilton’s qualifying run, particularly on the softer tire option. Mercedes’ Andrew Shovlin explained that a combination of a tailwind and tire sensitivity affected Hamilton’s lap, causing a significant loss of downforce and resulting in oversteer during a crucial section of the track.
Despite the setback, Hamilton’s team opted for a strategic approach by utilizing the medium tire for his final qualifying run. This decision was influenced by their experience in sprint qualifying, where they faced difficulties. By choosing the medium tire, they aimed to minimize the risk of a significant drop in performance during the race.
Hamilton’s determination persisted into the race as he crossed the finish line in sixth place, ahead of teammate George Russell. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrated his maiden Grand Prix victory in Miami, with Max Verstappen settling for second place after dominating much of the season.
