SHUCKING:Lewis Hamilton gets eighth title vote despite ‘not as fast as…..Read more
Lewis Hamilton gets eighth title vote despite ‘not as fast as he used to be’ verdict
Charles Leclerc has earned a reputation as one of the top qualifiers in modern Formula 1, while Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most pole positions in the history of the sport. Despite this, Hamilton faced a tough 2023 season, particularly in qualifying, where he was outpaced by his teammate George Russell, who out-qualified him 19 times to 5. This head-to-head result marked Hamilton’s worst-ever performance against a teammate in terms of qualifying results in his Formula 1 career. Nevertheless, Hamilton and Russell each managed to secure two race wins during the season, despite Mercedes’ struggles to compete at the front of the grid, finishing a distant fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton, now 40 years old, is set to move to Ferrari, and his recent form in qualifying has raised some questions. Over the past three seasons, Hamilton has only secured one pole position, which came at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix. While it’s clear that Mercedes’ inability to regularly challenge for pole positions and victories has played a significant role in this lack of qualifying success, the fact that he was defeated by Russell in such a dominant fashion last season suggests that his qualifying edge may have faded somewhat. However, Hamilton’s racecraft remains as strong as ever. Despite the qualifying setbacks, he continues to deliver strong performances on Sundays, a key characteristic of his career.
Sky F1 pundit Karun Chandhok has commented on Hamilton’s current state, noting that while Hamilton may not be as fast in qualifying as he once was, he still possesses the skills needed to win an eighth World Championship, provided Ferrari can offer him a competitive car. Chandhok highlighted that Hamilton’s race pace continues to be at an exceptionally high level, particularly referencing his remarkable performance during the 2023 British Grand Prix. He noted that while Hamilton may not be able to match Leclerc’s qualifying speed, he still has the potential to compete for the title if the right car is underneath him. He pointed out that Ferrari had made substantial progress toward the end of the previous season, and that could give Hamilton a boost if he joins them with a car capable of competing at the front.
Chandhok was particularly impressed with Hamilton’s win at Silverstone in 2023, which marked his first race victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. That victory, his 104th career win, was a highly emotional moment for the seven-time World Champion, and it came in a dramatic race with multiple contenders. As the race unfolded, Chandhok recalled the uncertainty in the commentary box, observing that it seemed like there were five drivers who could win the race at any given moment. Hamilton’s final stint, however, was what sealed the win for him, and Chandhok described it as a “magic” performance that only drivers like Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or Fernando Alonso could produce in such a scenario.
Chandhok emphasized that Hamilton’s ability to produce this kind of performance on race day remains a testament to his enduring skill and experience. Despite his qualifying struggles, Hamilton’s talent in race conditions still shines through, with his ability to execute under pressure and make critical decisions in the heat of battle still intact. Chandhok also pointed to Hamilton’s performance in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as another example of his “magic,” where although his qualifying was less than ideal, he showcased his true racecraft and delivered an extraordinary performance.
In summary, while Hamilton’s qualifying performances may no longer match those of younger stars like Leclerc, he remains one of the sport’s most formidable drivers when it comes to race day. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car in competitive conditions means that if Ferrari can provide him with a competitive package, he could still be a significant threat in the 2024 championship race, with the potential to challenge for his eighth World Cham
pionship.
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