Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:06 pm GMT
Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging race during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ultimately leading to a frustrating experience for the seven-time Formula One World Champion. Despite a late surge, Hamilton finished in ninth place after starting from the pitlane due to a fresh power unit installation by Mercedes, following engine issues earlier in the season.
A Rough Start and a Tough Race
Hamilton began the race on a difficult note. After qualifying seventh, Mercedes decided to fit him with a new power unit—a strategic move intended to avoid potential future penalties. However, starting from the pitlane proved to be an uphill battle for Hamilton, who struggled with his car’s handling.
- Qualifying Position: 7th (but started from pitlane)
- Final Ranking: 9th
- Key Incident: Promotion due to a crash involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz
Team Principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Hamilton’s struggles during the race. “Lewis, good to make it to the end, that was a horror race,” Wolff said via team radio. This sentiment was echoed by race engineer Pete Bonnington, who informed Hamilton, “Well done” as he returned to the pits.
Handling Issues with the W15
After the race, Hamilton expressed concerns regarding the handling of his Mercedes W15. He referred to a series of issues that made the car challenging to drive throughout the race. Specifically, he commented about having an “unusable” balance that complicated his performance on track.
According to Hamilton, a crucial component on his car had not been “correctly built,” compromising the car’s performance. He elaborated:
“It was the worst balance I’ve probably ever had – one of the worst balances,” Hamilton stated. “I had to yank the steering to break the traction from the front, and slide the front through every corner.”
This handling issue made overtaking nearly impossible, adding to his race frustrations. Hamilton noted that the peculiar steering dynamics forced him to drive in an unconventional manner throughout the race.
Team Decisions Leading to a Tough Race
Wolff explained the rationale behind the decision to opt for a new power unit prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He mentioned two conflicting philosophies that the team had debated extensively:
- Sticking with the Current Setup: Accepting the risk of potential engine failure later in the season, particularly during critical races.
- Taking Action Early: Changing the power unit in Azerbaijan, which they believed would give them a better chance in future races, specifically at the upcoming event in Austin.
“Our decision is based on the opportunities we see ahead. Right or wrong? It was a close call,” Wolff commented during a media briefing after the race.
A Learning Experience
Despite the disappointing outcome, both Hamilton and Wolff acknowledged the importance of learning from such races. “We knew it was going to be a race of misery because it’s so difficult to overtake in Baku,” Wolff noted, emphasizing the complexities and challenges of the Baku circuit.
While Hamilton was disappointed with the result, he remained optimistic about the potential for improvement. He stated, “I don’t know why our pace was so bad on our side. It happens.”
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Mercedes
Looking forward, Hamilton is focused on using the insights gained from this race to improve performance in future events. The Mercedes team is also working on adjustments. Rumors suggest that a new specification floor might be introduced to enhance car performance.
As Hamilton considers the upcoming races, he and the Mercedes team remain committed to overcoming the challenges they faced at Baku. This experience has highlighted the importance of adaptability and reassessment in the highly competitive world of Formula One racing.
Conclusion
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix was more than just a race for Hamilton; it was a wake-up call for the whole Mercedes team. They had a tough time with their car setup and difficult race conditions. Now, the team is working hard to fix these issues. As Hamilton gets ready for the next race in Austin, his strength and determination will be key to using what they learned in Baku to do better in the future.
