Lewis Hamilton, the British driver of Mercedes AMG F1, expressed optimism about the potential of the team’s Formula 1 car for 2024. Despite a challenging start to the season, Hamilton believes the car has shown flashes of greatness. However, he recognizes the need for consistency and drivability to fully exploit its capabilities. Hamilton’s confidence in the car is bolstered by the fact that it performs better under the latest ground effect rules. He remains determined to work with the team to improve its performance and make the car more predictable. Hamilton’s experience in Australia highlighted the car’s volatility, with changes in wind and temperature affecting its balance and consistency. He emphasized the challenge of adapting to these unpredictable conditions, as each corner presents a unique set of variables.
This weekend’s Suzuka circuit is famous for being the ultimate track that demands a perfectly tuned car from the drivers. When asked if he can find that perfect balance, Hamilton replied, « Based on the last three races, it’s unlikely, but we’re working towards it. If it happens, it will be amazing. Regardless, just driving on this track is an incredible experience for us drivers. It’s the kind of track you dream of racing on when you’re younger, and they don’t make tracks like this anymore. The unique undulations and the circuit’s layout make it truly special. »
Hamilton acknowledges that it will be difficult to find the right compromise in terms of setup. He wants to be strong in the corners of Sector 1 without sacrificing speed on the straights. Reflecting on last year’s race, he mentioned: « We were losing a lot of time in the first sector, so we usually try to add more downforce. However, this can result in loss of speed on the straights. We’ll see. I hope we find the right balance and compromise. »
He also mentioned the various wings that teams are experimenting with this weekend. They are trying different setups and combinations to find the best possible one.
