Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a crucial set-up miscalculation robbed him of a podium finish at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA, after suffering from massive understeer that severely hindered his race pace.
The seven-year world champion crossed the finish line in fourth place, trailing Red Bull's Max Verstappen by a mere second in a tense showdown for the final podium spot in Austin. Hamilton clearly lacked the comfort and speed shown by his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, who ultimately secured a stellar second-place finish.
Reflecting on whether a late virtual safety car cost him a podium, the British veteran stated that the race was effectively lost during the opening two stints due to an inability to turn the car properly in low-speed sections, specifically pointing out major balance issues at Turns 1, 11, 13, and 15.
While late adjustments to the car's settings improved the handling balance for the final stint, Hamilton admitted that the team should have started with that specific configuration from the very beginning. Despite the setup woes, he praised the team's strong execution during pit stops and overall strategic efforts.
Securing fourth place moves Hamilton within striking distance of his former teammate George Russell as the battle for second place in the drivers' championship intensifies. Hamilton emphasized that resolving these recurring setup inconsistencies is his top priority for the remainder of the season.
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