Lewis Hamilton was close to his first race since the 2021 US GP.
Lewis Hamilton revealed his “struggle” at the US GP was fueled by frustration over a collision with Mercedes team-mate George Russell in Qatar. The seven-time F1 world champion finished second at the Circuit of the Americas after a race-long strategy battle with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Hamilton closed in on Verstappen for the lead late in the race as the Dutchman suffered brake problems while the Brit ran an average compound compared to Red Bull’s Hards. The deficit was quickly reduced in the final laps, but Hamilton did not have time to launch an attack for the race victory. “We caught him towards the end and I was hopeful but we needed more laps,” Hamilton admitted. “The team did an amazing job this weekend, so much work to get this update here.”
Hamilton was delighted to finish on the podium after suffering an opening lap crash with teammate George Russell in Qatar two weeks ago. “It was really difficult after the last race. First of all, everything that is happening in the world, and then obviously the big mistake I made. I really felt that I let the team down so much. I had to go through a very deep process to come back here. “It was just one of those experiences where you know it’s not how you go down, it’s how you get back up. So I came out fighting, I felt great and I’m really happy with the result.”
Hamilton expresses his love for America Six-time US Grand Prix winner Hamilton was cheered on by a partisan crowd that supported him all weekend. “I’ve always loved states since I was eight years old when I came here, first to Albuquerque, then to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where I can’t wait to compete,” he said.
But I always felt really welcome here. People were so welcoming. “I work with a lot of great companies, it’s a really progressive country and I really appreciate the support we get.”