Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes are “a bit misplaced” with their automotive after a “very difficult” begin to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend that left him nervous about whether or not they would make it into qualifying on Saturday High ten.
Mercedes purpose to combat again on the streets of Marina Bay after a troublesome begin in Baku with the leaders final week, with Hamilton enduring a tough weekend after an engine failure precipitated him to begin the race behind the sphere. Desdes goals to counterattack on the streets of Marina Bay.
Hamilton completed outdoors the highest ten in each races, whereas his teammate George Russell fared barely higher within the extra iconic floodlight run, ending seventh, however his second The primary apply session ended with a late collision with an impediment.
“The automotive felt very tough. It was a really difficult day,” Hamilton mentioned after ending eleventh, 0.982 seconds off the tempo of McLaren driver Lando Norris.
“We tried each wise setting, however nothing appeared to work. Positively very difficult.
“We attempt our greatest after which you end up behind. On the finish of the day, it is just a bit bit misplaced. Not fairly certain the place to park.”
Requested whether or not the set-up adjustments made to the automotive between apply classes would have had any impression, Hamilton replied: “No. We tried so much and obtained the identical impact.”
With no enchancment in Friday’s efficiency, Hamilton predicted: “We’re not going into a 3rd season in the intervening time.”
Russell: We nonetheless have numerous work to do
Though Russell might have completed barely nearer to the lead, Russell reported related points and considerations to Hamilton on the finish of the race.
Requested concerning the late P2 crash, which noticed Russell hit a barrier at Flip 8 and harm the entrance of the automotive, Russell mentioned: “There’s not a lot to say, actually. Locked up, locked up. The entrance wings have been eliminated.
“It is a actually difficult Friday for us.
“We’re actually behind; we have to perceive why that is taking place. I am certain we are going to discover some solutions.
“We have made some massive adjustments from FP1 to FP2 however the automotive would not really feel as effectively related because it did presently 12 months in the past and in current races, so we have to try to discover out.”
Whereas Mercedes did overtake struggling Crimson Bull, they themselves trailed the 2 RB vehicles – the workforce proving to be the shock of the day – and a large hole to the main McLaren and Ferrari vehicles .
“There are numerous surprises there,” Russell mentioned.
“VCARB [RB] Actually quick, Williams actually quick. Crimson Bull appeared to be off the tempo.
“There appears to be a giant hole between McLaren and Ferrari, so a minimum of we’re hoping to be someplace between midfield and the highest 4. However now we’ve numerous work on our fingers.”
Sky Sports activities F1 Singapore Grand Prix stay schedule
Saturday, September twenty first
8am: F1 Academy first race
10.15am: Singapore Grand Prix apply three (begins at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore Grand Prix qualifying preparations
2pm: Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying*
4pm: Ted’s Qualification Pocket book
Sunday, September 22
8.30am: F1 Academy Race 2
11:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore Grand Prix preparations
1pm: Singapore Grand Prix
3pm: Checkered Flag: Singapore GP response
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book
* Additionally broadcast stay on Sky Sports activities Essential Occasion
F1’s thrilling 2024 season continues stay on Sky Sports activities F1 this weekend, with extra gorgeous road observe motion beneath the lights of the Singapore Grand Prix. Watch each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month-to-month Membership – no contract, cancel anytime