Hamilton after practice session in Silverstone: ‘Tough car to drive’

18:55, 07 Jul 2023
3 Comments
Lewis Hamilton continued to struggle with his Mercedes in the second practice session of the day, finishing only in P15, while his teammate George Russell did not do much better either. However, the race simulation went relatively well for the Briton.
"Car wise, we're battling the same thing. It's a tough car to drive. No matter what we do with set-up, it continues to be a tough car to drive," Hamilton said following FP2.
"We're missing something. The long run didn't seem to be too bad which is a positive at least. It didn't feel great, but it must've felt worse for others because they weren't as quick or they had more degredation. The last part of my run was starting to be more consistent, it could be wind, balance or me getting used to the balance," the seven-time world champion continued.

Struggling with the balance

Not only Russell struggled with the balance throughout the session as he reported it over the team radio, Hamilton also had to face the same issue. "This track is about trying to weigh the scales the whole way around and making compromises. There's a fine edge on the balance, and the balance is back and forth. Me and George were just talking, he's other there with the set-up, I'm over here [different places]. Then I was thinking of coming to where you are but your lap time is slower, then I was saying I was coming to where he is but then balance...we'll work on it tonight and come up with something tomorrow," Hamilton added.
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On the other hand, Hamilton had a positive comment about the weather in Silverstone. "Very windy, it's often windy here at Silverstone. The wind helps it become the best track in the world. Tailwind, crosswind, it's phenomenal. I don't mind it, it makes it inconsistent but it's the same for everyone."
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Upcoming race
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
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Sunday 29.03.26
Race
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