Lewis Hamilton, the British driver of the Mercedes AMG in Formula 1, expressed the need for significant changes to be made to the team’s W15 car after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. Hamilton acknowledged that concerns about engine cooling had hampered the car’s performance in the first two races in Bahrain. Despite optimism that the revamped car would perform well in Jeddah, Hamilton struggled throughout the weekend and finished in ninth place, three positions behind his teammate George Russell. Hamilton’s chances of improving his position were thwarted when the team chose not to make a pit stop during a safety car period caused by Lance Stroll’s accident on lap 7. Hamilton defended the team’s decision, stating that it was worth trying something different and that he was fighting hard to progress. However, he was unlucky not to benefit from another safety car intervention later in the race. Hamilton also mentioned that there wasn’t much performance difference between the medium and hard tire compounds, making it challenging to make up lost time. Despite expecting better performance from the soft compound, Hamilton noted that there was no significant degradation in the hard tire.
Hamilton was positioned close to Norris in the final stages, but he was unable to keep up with McLaren in the fast corners in the initial section.
He argues that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix revealed that Mercedes must strive even harder to narrow the gap that left him feeling “in a different league.”
“The car performs well at low speeds and relatively well at medium speeds, but at high speeds, we are far behind,” he expressed his frustration.
“The other drivers, it seemed like I was in a different league while navigating the high-speed sections next to them. So, it is certainly frustrating to be in the same position for three consecutive years, or it is certainly challenging.
“But let’s stay focused and keep working diligently, knowing that everyone in the factory is giving their best.
“However, we will definitely make significant adjustments. Maybe we haven’t made substantial changes enough.
“If you look at the three teams ahead of us, they still have different approaches in certain areas. So, we definitely need to improve our performance.”
Hamilton used Mercedes’ straight-line speed advantage over McLaren and the strategic position at Turn 1 to prevent Oscar Piastri from overtaking him.
Although he claims that his passion for racing has not diminished, the seven-time champion admits that competing for lower points positions is not exciting.
“I wouldn’t say I’m having a lot of fun,” he commented. “I’m racing for ninth place, and I can’t say that finishing ninth is enjoyable.
“I find pleasure in the actual aspect of racing, and I was relentlessly chasing and pushing to my limits.
“I was maximizing every drop of performance from the car, pushing it to the limit, but unfortunately we were seriously lacking in high-speed performance, where our competitors had the advantage.”
However, Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025, remains hopeful that the team can fight for higher positions on the grid by improving the W15.
“But there are positives. The car performs well at low speeds, and there are areas where we need to generate more downforce at high speeds,” he reiterated.
“I believe that if we can achieve this, we will be in the fight.”
© 2024
Portugal conquers the Euro Cup for the second time in history
The Portuguese national football team made history by winning the Euro Cup for the second time. The feat occurred last Sunday, when Portugal won the final against France 1-0, in an exciting game that was decided in extra time.
The winning goal was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the top scorer in the history of the Euro Cups, with 15 goals. The Portuguese player was crucial to the title victory, leading the team with his skills and determination.
The match was very balanced, with both teams creating good goal-scoring opportunities. However, the Portuguese defense proved solid and managed to hold off the French attacks. In extra time, Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage of a defensive mistake and scored the winning goal.
With the Euro Cup victory, Portugal solidifies itself as one of the best teams in the world. The team had already won the tournament in 2016, also with the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, the Portuguese celebrate another historic title and dream of more achievements in the future.
Portugal’s victory in the Euro Cup is a source of pride for all Portuguese people. The country stopped to watch the final and celebrate the result. The conquest represents the talent and determination of the Portuguese players, who faced great adversities throughout the tournament.
The Portuguese team showed quality and determination, surpassing all expectations. The victory in the final against France is a milestone in the history of Portuguese football and an example of overcoming obstacles for all athletes in the country.
Now, eyes turn to the future, with hopes of more achievements and success for the Portuguese team. The Euro Cup title is just the beginning of a new era for football in Portugal, which promises to continue surprising and delighting sports fans.
