In what was a disappointing start to the Styrian Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton and his teammate George Russell faced struggles in practice sessions. Just five days after finishing in a close second place at the Circuit of the Americas, Hamilton found himself in 11th position in FP1 and improved slightly to seventh in FP2, but was still 0.338s off the pace set by Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Russell, who missed FP1 and handed his car to Mercedes junior driver Frederik Vesti, finished 10th in FP2. Both drivers expressed their dissatisfaction with the car’s performance, leaving the team concerned about their chances for the upcoming race.
Reflecting on his Friday practice sessions, Hamilton described his experience as “not that great” and admitted to struggling with the car. He noted that the car felt different compared to the previous week and expressed uncertainty about how to extract its full potential. Hamilton remained optimistic that improvements could be made overnight, but acknowledged the challenging nature of the car and the unpredictability it presented. He emphasized the need to find ways to make the car easier to drive and extract its performance.
Russell, who had to play catch-up after missing FP1, faced similar difficulties in the practice sessions. He mentioned various factors, such as intermittent rain and the use of prototype Pirelli tires, contributing to the tricky session. Like Hamilton, Russell believed the team could make improvements overnight. He highlighted the tight competition and the unexpected presence of some cars in the top 10, but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to seize the opportunity and make significant progress.
Despite the frustrations experienced by both drivers, Russell viewed the difficult Friday as a valuable learning experience. He noted that running two different setups highlighted the importance of finding the right window for the car’s performance. He emphasized the learning opportunities presented by challenging moments, suggesting that they often provide more insights than when the car is performing better. Practice sessions, in his view, serve as a platform for growth and improvement.
Looking ahead to qualifying, Hamilton expressed his desire to fight for pole position. While acknowledging Max Verstappen’s consistent performance, Hamilton believed that with the right adjustments and setups, any driver could compete for the front two rows. He remained hopeful that the team’s overnight work would yield positive results and a more enjoyable driving experience.
The Styrian Grand Prix practice sessions brought disappointment and struggles for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Both drivers faced challenges with the car’s performance, leaving them unsatisfied with their Friday sessions. However, they remained determined to improve the car’s setup overnight and find the right window for optimal performance. The difficult day provided valuable lessons and insights for the team, helping them redirect their efforts for a stronger showing in qualifying. With their sights set on pole position and a competitive race, Hamilton and Russell remained hopeful and focused on making the necessary improvements to their cars.
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