Lewis Hamilton showcased his racing prowess once again, climbing from P10 on the grid to secure an impressive second place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The performance, which Hamilton likened to his karting days, was a testament to his resilience and skill as he navigated through the pack.
A Challenging Start to a Remarkable Recovery
Hamilton’s qualifying session was far from ideal, with mistakes during both flying laps in Q3 leaving him 10th on the grid. Despite the setback, he delivered a standout performance during the race, working his way up to P2 after the final round of pit stops, just behind Mercedes teammate George Russell, who led the race from pole to victory.
Hamilton shared his thoughts on the thrilling recovery drive: “I had a great time. When you’re progressing, it’s always a great feeling. It felt very much like my old days [karting] at Rye House, starting at the back and coming through – so it was great.”
He also reflected on the team’s progress: “It’s just phenomenal for the team. It is slightly bittersweet as if we had qualified where we should have yesterday, I think I could have won. Nevertheless, I didn’t think I would have been able to finish P2 today before the race, so I’m very happy.”
Mercedes’ Rollercoaster Season
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been an up-and-down journey for Mercedes, with a mix of strong victories and disappointing performances. The Las Vegas GP highlighted the team’s potential, with both drivers delivering standout results.
Looking Ahead to the Final Races
When asked if Mercedes’ Las Vegas form could carry into the remaining two Grands Prix, Hamilton expressed uncertainty: “I have no idea! I don’t think anyone in the team knows why we’re as quick as we are this weekend. We’re happy about it, but I think often in the hotter conditions we struggle more.”
Hamilton remained cautiously optimistic about upcoming challenges: “Maybe Qatar will be cooler, and it’s smooth. At the track, we were okay last year. Abu Dhabi maybe less so, but we’ll see.”
A Boost for Mercedes and Hamilton
Hamilton’s P2 finish not only marks a personal triumph but also underscores Mercedes’ potential as the team looks to finish the season on a high. With two races to go, both Hamilton and Russell will aim to build on the momentum from Las Vegas.
