During the Miami Grand Prix qualifying, Lewis Hamilton experienced some braking issues that caught the attention of Damon Hill.
In the midst of Miami’s bustling racing scene, a familiar face faced an unfamiliar challenge. Lewis Hamilton, once the dominator behind Mercedes’ wheels, now finds himself in a predicament as his transition to Ferrari brings unexpected hurdles. Despite his seasoned expertise, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not been smooth sailing, particularly when it comes to adjusting to the different braking systems between these high-speed marvels.
Damon Hill, a legend in his own right, was quick to notice Hamilton’s struggles during the qualifying rounds. As Hill pointed out, Hamilton has a tendency to rely on his braking style honed over years with Mercedes. This habit, however ingrained, isn’t serving him well under Ferrari’s different machinery. The Miami Grand Prix recently highlighted this when the British driver hit a snag in Q2 after a tricky Q1 session marred by a lock-up at Turn 17.
Hill remarked on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, ‘This is one of the issues he’s had. He’s had problems with moving to Ferrari from Mercedes. They use a different braking manufacturer.’ Hill’s observations underscore the difficulty even seasoned champions face when adapting to new team dynamics and equipment. By the time the checkered flag signaled the end of the qualifiers, Hamilton was out of the race for pole position — a rarity in his illustrious career.
Hamilton, reflecting on his struggles, expressed the disparity between his previous experience and Ferrari’s setup. ‘It just feels so alien,’ Hamilton admitted. He described adapting to Ferrari’s requirements, including a distinct reliance on engine braking, as a stark contrast to his years with Mercedes. He elaborated, ‘I’ve never used engine braking before in the past 12 years, but here we use a lot of engine braking to turn the car.’ This adjustment is not just a technical challenge but a mental one for Hamilton, as he tries to shed old habits while learning to optimize the unique strengths of his new ride.
Currently sitting at seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, Hamilton is trailing behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who holds a slight advantage in both points and positioning. Yet, the ongoing adjustments don’t diminish Hamilton’s drive to conquer this aspect of his transition, showcasing the resilience that has defined his career so far.
Lewis Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is filled with both challenges and learning opportunities. As he adapts to new machinery and overcomes these initial hurdles, his experiences offer a testament to the constant evolution demanded at the highest levels of motorsport.
