The Mercedes AMG F1 W15 pilot, Lewis Hamilton, participated in the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix on 07.04.2024. Mercedes recently explained their decision-making process to attempt a one-stop race during the event. Starting in seventh and ninth positions, Mercedes chose to switch from the Medium compound to the Hard compound during a red flag caused by an accident. This decision aimed to eliminate the need for a pit stop. However, the team’s pace in the first stint forced them to abandon this strategy and switch to a two-stop race on the Medium tire. Mercedes revealed that their position in the race and the lack of threat from behind influenced George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to try alternative strategies. Mercedes’ track engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, discussed this in the team’s analysis video on Japan, stating that the decision was made to differentiate themselves from the other top 10 teams. Red Bull and Ferrari opted for two Medium compounds, while Mercedes and McLaren chose two Hard compounds. With limited information on the performance comparison between the Hard and Medium compounds, Mercedes believed that using two Hard compounds would make it easier to execute a one-stop race. Additionally, the lack of threat from other teams further back on the grid allowed Mercedes to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Shovlin emphasized that tire wear concerns faced by both drivers worsened the time loss in low-speed corners.
The advantage gained over their competitors during this period resulted in George Russell finishing seventh, while Lewis Hamilton finished ninth with a damaged car.
“The issue was that our performance at the end of our long stint was not satisfactory. We were declining,” Shovlin added.
“We lost a significant amount of time in traffic, but fundamentally we were not fast enough, and currently we are trying to understand that.
“The tires in Suzuka get quite hot. There is some overheating and, when there is traffic, grip decreases, causing more sliding. Specifically, we struggled with the slower corners.
“There is a hairpin turn and a slow chicane as well. Those were the areas where we lost a considerable amount of time.
“It was challenging to maneuver the car, and it was costing us in both corners.
“And as the tires aged, the sliding increased and the temperatures rose, which only exacerbated the issue.”
Although Mercedes’ strategy failed in Suzuka, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to execute a one-stop plan, starting from eighth on the grid and recovering to fourth place.
Shovlin admitted that Mercedes is working hard to determine the reason for their comparatively slower performance in a shorter stint compared to Leclerc.
“I can’t say we fully understand the problem at this point. It is still very early after the race,” he continued.
“That is one of the tasks we will delve into in the coming days, trying to figure out exactly what happened and why we dropped much more than Leclerc, who had a very impressive first stint that lasted much longer.”
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Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton secured an impressive victory at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. With an exceptional performance, Hamilton once again showed why he is considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The thrilling race left fans in ecstasy as Hamilton overtook his competitors and crossed the finish line in first place.
Hamilton, who currently drives for the Mercedes team, dominated the race from the start. He showed extraordinary skill and speed, leaving his competitors behind. Despite the challenges presented by the Monaco street circuit, Hamilton demonstrated mastery in driving his car and maintained the lead throughout the race.
Hamilton’s victory in Monaco is another milestone in his brilliant career. With several achievements and titles to his name, the British driver continues to impress the world of motorsport. His dedication, talent, and passion for the sport are evident in every race he competes in.
Hamilton fans are eager to see what the future holds for the driver. With his incredible series of victories, he is establishing himself as one of the greatest names in Formula 1. His determination and commitment to excellence inspire not only the fans, but also other drivers around the world.
Hamilton is a true champion and his victory in Monaco is further proof of that. His skill on the track is unmatched and he continues to push the limits of the sport. With each race, he gets closer and closer to the status of a Formula 1 legend.
Hamilton’s victory in the Monaco Grand Prix is a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest drivers of all time. His determination, talent, and passion for motorsport are evident in every turn and straightaway. Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for another incredible achievement!
