Home / Sports / Hamilton: Front wing flap cost F1 US GP podium
Hamilton: Front wing flap cost F1 US GP podium
26 Oct
Summary
- Hamilton lacked car turning ability due to incorrect front wing settings.
- Setup errors in practice sessions hindered Hamilton's data collection.
- Medium tires were a poor choice; hard tires proved to be the best.
Lewis Hamilton finished fourth at the F1 US GP, narrowly missing a podium. He identified significant issues with his car's front wing adjustment, which he felt was consistently under-hit. This resulted in considerable understeer, preventing him from turning the car effectively during the crucial early stages of the race.
These problems stemmed from setup errors made during practice sessions on Friday and Saturday. While teammate Charles Leclerc gathered valuable data, Hamilton's team made incorrect setup choices, forcing them to revert and play catch-up. Despite adding front wing clicks during pit stops, it was not enough to overcome the initial deficit.
Hamilton also highlighted a strategic misstep with tire choice. He opted for two sets of medium tires, but the hard compound proved to be superior. Starting on a used soft tire further compounded his difficulties, impacting his initial pace compared to rivals on fresh rubber.
A late Virtual Safety Car period may have also cost him a chance to challenge for a podium. Ultimately, Hamilton believes the persistent understeer during the first two stints was the primary reason he lost crucial time and couldn't secure a top-three finish.
