A Frustrated Lewis Hamilton Opens Up About Inconsistent Car Performance Ahead of a Tough Miami GP
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton isn’t one to sugarcoat things, and after a rollercoaster of a weekend in Miami, his words painted a picture of frustration, self-reflection, and hope against the odds. Despite finishing just 0.058 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying, Hamilton made it clear that the result didn’t reflect his true potential – nor the performance level of the car.
“It was a tough session,” Hamilton admitted, standing next to the car that has tested his patience more often than not this season. “It’s been a rollercoaster emotionally. We had a decent result in the sprint, but it wasn’t thanks to raw pace. The strategy was spot on, but our race pace just wasn’t good enough.”
Strategy Over Speed in the Sprint
Saturday’s sprint saw Hamilton use a clever strategy to climb the order, but he was quick to dismiss it as a meaningful indicator of the car’s capabilities. “The sprint was definitely better than qualifying, but like I said – this is where we are. We need updates. We need steps forward. There’s a lot we need to improve.”
The Briton described how he had put in the work early on race day, arriving at the track with optimism and following every step in his preparation to the letter. Still, the car wasn’t cooperating.
“I was here early. I did everything right to make sure the day went well. But none of that seemed to matter.”
Williams Pace Raises Eyebrows
One particularly humbling moment for Hamilton was being outpaced by the Williams in terms of pure speed – something that would’ve been unthinkable just a couple of years ago. “We were behind Williams in terms of raw pace. James [Vowles] and his team are doing a great job there.”
He added a candid assessment of Ferrari’s current form: “This is just where we are right now. Charles made it into Q3 on new tyres. Maybe I could’ve made it as well, but I still would’ve ended up P8 or P9.”
Hamilton pushed hard on used tyres and came tantalizingly close to Leclerc’s time, but the new tyre run didn’t deliver the leap he was hoping for. “On the final set, I should’ve been quicker. But every time I go out, the car feels different.”
Fighting an Unpredictable Machine
Hamilton has long been known for his ability to read a car and adapt quickly, but even he seems bewildered by the unpredictability of this Ferrari chassis. One recurring issue across the sessions was the braking system.
“The brakes are really challenging me this weekend,” he said. “They behave differently every single session.”
It’s not just the braking either – Hamilton emphasized the car’s erratic nature, describing how difficult it is to find a consistent rhythm.
“The car reacts differently every time I go out. One moment it feels fine, the next it’s a totally different beast. That makes it hard to build any confidence.”
Leclerc’s Struggles No Comfort
When asked if it was reassuring that Charles Leclerc was also struggling with the car’s raw speed, Hamilton shook his head.
“I don’t take much comfort from that, to be honest. Like I said, we’re all trying everything we can. Today, I missed Q3 by a tiny margin. Maybe I could’ve made it with the new set, but it wouldn’t have changed much. The truth is, we’re trying – but the pace just isn’t there.”
That blunt honesty is something fans have come to expect from Hamilton – and it’s exactly what makes his insights so compelling. He isn’t afraid to call out the limitations of the machinery, even when he knows it might sting.
Sunday Hopes Rest on Luck and Weather
Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton didn’t mince words when asked whether he was expecting a miracle.
“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “The car wasn’t great in the wet, and I don’t know what to expect tomorrow. I’m going to be praying a lot tonight, I’ll tell you that. Luck’s going to play a part. If it starts dry and goes wet, things could get interesting. But yeah, we’ll need some fortune on our side.”
The Miami weather, with its mix of humidity and potential storms, could prove to be the wildcard Hamilton needs. Still, his voice suggested more resignation than optimism.
Tactical Input and Pit Crew Praise
When asked about the team’s role in the weekend strategy, Hamilton made it clear that some of the key decisions were his own.
“The strategy was my call,” he said. “But I have to give credit to the crew in the pits. Our pit stops have been amazing. Every weekend, we’re executing some of the best stops on the grid. The team is working hard on that, and it shows.”
That recognition of the garage effort was a reminder that Hamilton hasn’t lost faith in the people around him – just in the tools they currently have to work with.
Ferrari’s Troubles Go Deeper Than Just One Weekend
Hamilton’s reflections also indirectly shed light on the deeper issues Ferrari faces. While the team is battling to stay in the top five in the constructors’ standings, it’s clear that they are struggling to deliver a package that both drivers can consistently maximize.
The inconsistencies in setup, the sensitivity of the car to changing conditions, and the apparent disconnect between driver input and car behavior are all signs of a car that’s still searching for identity.
And for a driver like Hamilton – who has built his career on extracting the maximum from every situation – that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Conclusion: Grit, Honesty, and a Hint of Hope
As he prepares for what’s shaping up to be a tough Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton is leaning not just on experience, but on resilience. He’s not sugarcoating the problems, but he’s not giving up either. There’s frustration, yes. But there’s also that familiar flicker of hope – the kind that keeps racers coming back, no matter how steep the climb.
“We need a lot of things to go right tomorrow,” Hamilton said. “But we’re not quitting. We’ll keep pushing.”
And as always, when the lights go out on Sunday, count on Lewis to give it everything – prayers included.
