Despite an impressive FP3, Hamilton faced ‘disappearing’ grip in qualifying that had him starting seventh for the race.
Lewis Hamilton couldn’t explain the sudden and surprising lack of pace he had in qualifying. Despite having an impressive FP3, putting in a lap that was three-tenths faster than those behind. Qualifying rolled around and Hamilton noted ‘disappearing grip’.
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The seven time champion who is trading the silver arrows for the prancing horses next season has been vocal about the struggle the Brackley team has faced in the last few seasons. However, coming into Montréal, Hamilton had been far more positive about the performance of the car.
In FP3, he was capable of a time that was unattainable for the rest of the grid. He praised the stability and balance of the W15 sporting a new front wing.
Qualifying took a different turn, with Hamilton struggling despite having no set up changes between sessions. While his teammate took pole, Hamilton found himself in seventh. Lacking the grip and pace necessary to fight for the front row.
Hamilton praised the team, admitting “It’s really great for the team, obviously everyone’s worked so hard to bring upgrades back at the factory.” he recognised the ‘boost’ this would have with the mentality of the team.
He confessed that “the car had felt great all weekend,” but as soon as he headed into Qualifying, “that feeling vanished.”
When asked what specifically felt different within the cockpit of the Mercedes car, the Brit said, “the grip just disappeared from me.”
Because of the repaved circuit combined with the rain, we saw many drivers struggling with getting tyres up to the desired temperature. Notably, the Ferraris struggled with grip, which landed them 11th and 12th.
Hamilton continued, “In FP3 I had plenty of pace, and then I get Qualifying and the tyres don’t work.”
“Nothing had changed on the car.”
The seven time world champion, who has won a record seven times around the Gilles Villneuve Circuit. He’ll be hoping for a better result in the race this evening.
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