Mercedes Open Up About Hamilton's Qualifying Challenges

Mercedes has pinpointed two critical factors impacting Lewis Hamilton's single-lap speed in the 2024 season with the W15: sensitivity to brake locking and oversteer during qualifying. These issues have resulted in Hamilton frequently trailing behind his teammate George Russell in qualifying performances, creating a significant gap in their results. Despite this, Hamilton maintained a strong race pace, which was often compromised by starting positions further down the grid. Andrew Shovlin, the head of trackside engineering for Mercedes, underscored the necessity of achieving a better car setup for Hamilton to enhance his qualifying speeds.

Although Hamilton clinched two race wins during the season, he consistently faced challenges due to the car's balance and tire management, particularly with maintaining optimal rear tire temperatures. Shovlin stressed that adapting the car to align with Hamilton’s driving style is crucial for maximizing his performance on the track. The potential for Hamilton to excel has been evident during races, notably illustrated by his strong showing in Las Vegas when the car suited his preferences. Going forward, Mercedes aims to refine the W15 to better accommodate Hamilton’s needs in the remaining races of the season.