In an unexpected turn of events, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton found himself eliminated during Q2 at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Bernie Collins, former strategy chief at Aston Martin, shed light on the circumstances that led to the seven-time champion’s early exit.
Collins dissected the strategic misstep that left Hamilton unable to secure a spot in Q3.
As Circuit Zandvoort witnessed fluctuating weather conditions on Saturday, the Q2 session proved to be a critical moment for drivers.
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The track’s rapid drying pace meant that the optimal strategy involved setting the fastest lap time towards the end of the session.
The challenge of timing was underscored by the fact that the track conditions evolved significantly.
Hamilton’s misfortune became apparent as he struggled to improve his lap time during his final push in Q2.
This setback caused him to relinquish his hopes of progressing to Q3, a rare occurrence for the seasoned driver.
Bernie Collins, providing analysis for Sky F1, offered insight into Hamilton’s strategic error.
“I was watching that Hamilton lap, he was pushing one lap too early,” Collins remarked.
Elaborating further, he explained, “So he was pushing the lap before the chequered flag.
“Because he crossed the line for the last one, that was his lap done, the energy was done, the tyres were done, and he was backing off the whole way through that lap as everyone else was pushing by him.”
The mistimed push on Hamilton’s part resulted in a depletion of peak energy levels within his Mercedes W14 and tire performance.
By not hitting the sweet spot for his final lap, Hamilton inadvertently compromised his chances to advance to the next qualifying session.
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As a result of this unexpected turn of events, Hamilton finds himself starting from the 13th position on the grid for the Dutch Grand Prix.
The implications of this qualifying outcome are significant for Hamilton’s pursuit of the third position in the Drivers’ Championship.
Currently trailing Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso by a single point in the standings, Hamilton faces an uphill battle to regain lost ground.