Lewis Hamilton Explains Why F1 Drivers’ Pit-Lane Delay in Qualifying isn’t ‘Ridiculous’

The incident involving Haas drivers slowing down at the end of the last corner in Zandvoort has become a hot topic of discussion. Both drivers were fighting amongst each other to get a gap to get a clearer run on their final laps. The incident ruined the laps of several drivers on the hot laps, such as Vettel and Perez. Lewis Hamilton mentioned it is not uncommon for drivers to slow down in the pit lane and the last corner.

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The Mercedes driver gives his opinion on drivers slowing down in the pit lane

There have been occasions on the weekend where it is seen that drivers are driving slowly in the pit lane to get a gap. But Hamilton mentioned it is only natural that this will happen.

When asked if it is ridiculous for drivers to drive slowly intentionally coming out of the pit lane, he replied –

“I don’t really know why that is ridiculous. We all need to get gaps and that’s just how it is. I don’t think it’s not unsafe for anyone, it’s in the pit lane and everyone is going slow. So you are just trying to optimize your time.

It’s a downforce-dependent circuit and you can’t be up the back of someone when you do the lap. You need at least a six-second gap.” Hamilton stated.

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No doubt it’s going to be tough tomorrow: Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton qualified P2 in the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying finishing just 0.038s behind Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver mentioned it is going to be hard to stop the Dutch driver in the race but hopes to get him through strategy.

“No doubt it’s going to be tough tomorrow,” said Hamilton, after qualifying.

“I think Max and his team were quicker than us on the long run, but it’s not a track that you can particularly overtake on so it’s going to be [about] strategy tomorrow and how you can utilize the tires. The start will be fun,” mentioned Hamilton.

Verstappen will be wary of the Mercedes, as he would have to fight them alone in the race.

Can Lewis win the Dutch GP? Let us know.