Lewis Hamilton finished the US Grand Prix in 2nd position just 2 seconds behind Max Verstappen. Despite this result, Lewis Hamilton feels they could have gotten a better result if not for the slow pit stops.
Usually, a team completes a pit stop within 2.7 seconds. Red Bull usually completes a pit stop within 2.5 seconds. During the US Grand Prix, both of Hamilton’s pit stops were over 3.5 seconds.
During the race, Mercedes seemed to be uncertain whether they should go for a 2-stop strategy or a 1-stop strategy. Lewis came into the pits much later than Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. This led to most spectators thinking that Lewis was going for a 1-stop to try and win the race. However, they turned it into a 2-stop strategy.
were not spectacular this weekend and strategy, hopefully in the next races. Maybe we can be close to these guys, and it’s right there. Just there!!”#USGP
— Sir Lewis Updates (@LH44updates) October 22, 2023
Both of Hamilton’s pit stops were over 3 seconds. So one cannot help but think if Lewis could have won the race if the pit stops were below 3 seconds. Lewis Hamilton has apparently wondered the same. During an interview after the race, he said:
“I feel really positive how the weekend went. The car was feeling much better. I really am grateful for the work that everyone’s put in back home because the floor was a step forward. Hopefully, we need to pick up on some of the areas like our pit stops were not spectacular this weekend, and strategy, hopefully in the next races. Maybe we can be close to these guys, and it’s right there. Just there!!”
Mercedes brought in an upgrade for the W14 for the US Grand Prix. Although Lewis was disqualified from the Grand Prix, the upgrade helped him finish close to Max Verstappen. Although Verstappen was also having issues with the braking, he was consistently putting in fast laps. Towards the end of the race, he started to slow down due to his brake issue and tire wear.
Lewis Hamilton and Co. already cooking something special with Mercedes W15
It is likely that the new floor upgrade brought during the US Grand Prix is the last for the team this year. Several weeks ago, Toto Wolff stated that the team had already started working on the 2024 car which is to be named the W15. Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the entire factory have dedicated their winter break to staying at the factory to work on the W15.
This will definitely boost their chances of challenging Red Bull and Max Verstappen for the Championship. This could result in a Championship battle close to the one we saw in 2021. We may also see another team or two join this battle.
#F1 Mercedes will completely change its concept for the W15:
“We are completely changing the car because we simply have to catch up to Red Bull. Half a second left.”
“And we won’t be able to keep up with development” This means: The current concept no longer offers enough room… pic.twitter.com/8Sk62rIm1m
— MercMomentum F1 (@MercF1Momentum) October 23, 2023
McLaren has made a tremendous amount of progress in the last few months. They went from finishing last place in the opening Grand Prix to taking the fight to Max Verstappen in the US and Qatar. They will continue to develop their car in the coming weeks to further increase their chances of challenging Red Bull.
Although Ferrari has proven to be strong in certain tracks, they are yet to do so consistently. This season, they have not been able to challenge Max Verstappen. The only race where Red Bull seemed to be weak was in Singapore which was won by Carlos Sainz. If Ferrari takes the right approach in their developments, we could see them also challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
How many drivers can challenge Max Verstappen for the 2024 Championship? Post your answers in the comment section below.