Lewis Hamilton faced challenges during the Sprint Qualifying at the São Paulo Grand Prix, finishing 11th. The seven-time World Champion expressed disappointment, stating that things are “not going well” from his side.
Key Events at the São Paulo Grand Prix
During the session, Ferrari struggled with pace, which put Hamilton at risk of elimination in SQ2. With only a few minutes left, a spin by Charles Leclerc triggered double yellow flags. This situation forced several drivers, including Hamilton, to abort their final laps. Unfortunately, he could not cross the line in time to start another run, ultimately finishing in P11.
Investigation and Reprimand
Following the session, it was revealed that Hamilton would be investigated for a possible infringement of the yellow flag rules. After a hearing, he received a reprimand for failing to slow down under the double yellow flags. When reflecting on how the flags affected his performance, Hamilton acknowledged, “That definitely didn’t help.”
Hamilton’s Perspective on Performance
Despite recent improvements, Hamilton admitted that qualifying out in SQ2 is discouraging. He stated, “We’re working hard, so there’s not really much more I can do. It is what it is.” Hamilton’s past successes at Interlagos, including an impressive recovery in 2021, provide some hope for the looming Sprint race amid uncertain weather conditions.
Focus on Enjoyment
The 40-year-old racer plans to approach the race from 11th place with a focus on enjoyment. “At this point, it’s literally just about having fun. It’s not going well from my side this year, and I just have to enjoy it wherever I am,” he remarked.
Leclerc’s Performance
Charles Leclerc also encountered difficulties, managing to recover from his spin to qualify for SQ3 but ultimately finishing 8th. He commented, “The car was very slow today. It didn’t feel that bad, but we are slow, so we’ve got something to work on.”
Future Improvements
- Leclerc’s initial SQ3 lap was hindered by a rejected upshift, costing him valuable time.
- He expressed uncertainty about potential setup changes but indicated a willingness to experiment.
Both drivers now look toward improving their performances in tomorrow’s upcoming race at Interlagos.
