Lewis Hamilton points finger after USGP failure as key Ferrari error 'lost' race
Lewis Hamilton has lamented the lack of balance he experienced for most of the United States Grand Prix after falling short of the podium. Ferrari hoped to get both their drivers into the top three by the end of the 56-lap race in Austin, Texas, putting both cars on a two-stop strategy which left them with fresher tyres in the final stint of the race. Charles Leclerc used the extra grip to full effect, as the fastest man on track in those laps at the end to recover to second, but Hamilton missed out on joining him in the post-race ceremony.
TL;DR
- Lewis Hamilton finished fourth in the United States Grand Prix, missing the podium.
- Hamilton cited a fundamental lack of car balance and understeer as the main issues throughout the race.
- He believes Ferrari made a setup error, getting the balance wrong from the beginning.
- Charles Leclerc recovered to second place using a two-stop strategy with fresher tires.
- A late virtual safety car period hindered Hamilton's charge and potentially saved Max Verstappen's third place.
- Hamilton felt the race was 'lost' in the first two stints due to the balance issues, not the VSC.