Lewis Hamilton Faces Repeat of Tire Problems Despite Spanish GP Qualifying Performance

Mercedes fans can rejoice as the W15 is finally competitive, fighting for podiums. Despite a difficult FP1, the team ruled out the issues with the car and Lewis Hamilton clocked in the fastest time in FP2. However, his results were not up to par during the FP3 as he attained the 6th fastest lap time. But things were going to change during the qualifiers.

With Lewis Hamilton qualifying P3 for the Spanish Grand Prix, many fans are happy to see that Mercedes is competitive again. These results after the Canadian Grand Prix P4 finish bring Mercedes back into the competition. However, the factors that affected FP1 remain the major focus for the driver, as he continues to re-establish his mettle.

Lewis Hamilton’s take from the Spain qualifiers

After the qualifiers, Lewis Hamilton spoke about his experience during the qualifiers. He mentioned that the team had made progress while explaining the main setback from the FP1. Hamilton stated, “I still feel like I lost [a little bit of] performance going into [qualifying]. It’s all about perspective. Maybe they just moved forwards, but I definitely feel like there was a little bit more.”

The 7x world champion then explained, “But just as you start to push the car, it doesn’t like it. So in practice, when you leave a little bit of margin, the car feels quite nice. But it’s when you start to really lean on it to try and get that extra bit of lap time out where we really struggle. And I think it’s all in the tyres.” 

Taking us back to the FP1 he said, “So you saw in P1, I was seven-tenths down due to an issue with the blankets. And then we got it sorted for the following sessions. So, it puts you a little bit on the back foot. But yeah, otherwise, the car, as I said, it’s good that we’re up here and it’s the best qualifying I’ve had this year, so I’m really grateful for it.”

While Lewis Hamilton had his best result in Canada, he called it the “worst race ever” after losing to George Russell. Towards the end, the battle between the two Mercedes got more intense, but ultimately Russell took the step on the podium after beating his teammate by fractions of a second. This led to rumors surfacing saying that Mercedes sabotaged Hamilton’s race on account that he is leaving the team for Ferrari next year.

With Hamilton qualifying at his season best, this puts him in a spot where he can win the championship. Although Lewis Hamilton has not been performing as fans are used to seeing him do, let’s take a look at the record he holds at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton’s Spanish Grand Prix records

The Spanish Grand Prix has been dominated by Lewis Hamilton for the last two decades and he matches Michael Schumacher’s record of the most race wins at the circuit. Winning the Spanish GP in the years, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, he stands as the record-holding champion driver to dominate the track.

Lewis Hamilton finally has a shot starting from the second row. Although this is not the best-case scenario, it’s the best start he has had all season. Hamilton climbed up from P7 to P4 at Montreal and if he manages to deliver a similar climb in Barcelona, it will mean a victory for the Mercedes champion.

Considering where he is starting, do you think Lewis Hamilton will be able to win his first race since 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.