Well, LH fans, it was another rollercoaster of emotions during the qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas for the 2023 Formula 1 US Grand Prix. While many were gearing up for another stellar performance from the 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, the day had its own script. The whispers around the circuit, as the sun set, were a mix of awe for Max Verstappen’s fiery laps and a palpable disappointment from the ardent fans of Sir Lewis. Let’s dive into the thick of things and see what the LH Army had to say!
With everyone glued to the track, Verstappen showcased a tour de force, narrowly missing pole position. After progressively impressive performances in Q1 and Q2, he secured the provisional pole in Q3. However, a twist in the tale! Due to a deleted lap time, Verstappen was bumped down to P6. It remains to be seen if we’re in for a spectacle in the race.
In the midst of these scorching laps from the Red Bull and Ferrari contingents, where did Hamilton land? He wrapped up qualifying with an impressive P3. Given the recent string of Mercedes updates and a blend of Lewis’ performance swings, this positioning brought out a myriad of feelings from the fans.
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Hamilton has had a mosaic of experiences recently. Exciting updates from Mercedes hint at a promise of better performances, and with races in Singapore, Miami, and Italy seeing a mix of ups and downs, it’s been a wild ride for LH and his legion of followers. Then there’s the Qatar controversy. A crash with teammate George Russell? The FIA’s ‘role model’ ruling? Talk about adding fuel to the fire!
Read More: Dismissing “BS” Rumors, Max Verstappen Set to Overtake Lewis Hamilton’s Record at the US GP
This rollercoaster hasn’t settled yet, and after a challenging qualifying at the US GP, fans’ expectations were sky-high. Did Lewis meet them? Well, the comments poured in thick and fast.
Lewis Hamilton falls short (According to the fans at least)
Before we dive into the fan reactions, here’s what the P3 Hamilton said in the post-Quali interview: “I’ll give it my best shot, for sure, with this crowd, we will give it a shot for sure.”
Hamilton: I'll give it my best shot, for sure, with this crowd, we will give it a shot for sure.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) October 20, 2023
Now, onto the fan reactions:
ffs bottled again after leading through every session. I wonder if it’s getting in his head now his drop off in Q3
— Nevermxnd (@ClassicCulprit) October 20, 2023
“ffs bottled again after leading through every session.” exclaimed one fan, hinting at the mental pressure possibly weighing Lewis down. Another optimistically chimed in, “let’s see what the race will bring,”
let's see what the race will bring
— juvid (@JuvidOnline) October 20, 2023
while some just wanted results: “Win the race plz.”
Win the race plz
— 🍭 (@has4n_18) October 20, 2023
The sentiment that Lewis could’ve clinched the pole resonated with many. “Pole was there today pain,” one fan commented,
Win the race plz
— 🍭 (@has4n_18) October 20, 2023
while another expressed disbelief at McLaren’s Lando Norris finishing ahead, saying, “How on earth has Norris finished ahead of him there. So disappointing 😐.”
How on earth has Norris finished ahead of him there. So dissapointing 😐
— Robert (@robbieswain14) October 20, 2023
Some pointed fingers at strategy, commenting, “Could’ve been higher if you let his 1st run on the old tyres 🤡🤡🤡🤡.”
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Couldve been higher if you let his 1st run on the old tyres 🤡🤡🤡🤡
— 🦆 (@OskarPastry) October 20, 2023
But in the end, the recurring theme remained: he could’ve, and perhaps should’ve, clinched the pole. From the looks of it, the fans are hurt. It’s to be wondered if Hamilton himself is as disappointed!
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Whether you’re Team Lewis, Team Max, or just here for the thrill of the race, one thing’s certain: Sunday’s race promises high adrenaline, fierce competition, and maybe, just maybe, a surprise or two. As for the LH Army, hang in there. As we’ve seen time and time again, it ain’t over till it’s over. And with Hamilton, anything’s possible on race day.