Lewis Hamilton has faced various challenges throughout the current season. The 2024 season began with hopes of progressing and overthrowing the reigning champions. However, the team has found itself in a battle with other competitors, significantly trailing behind the leading pack and the Austrian powerhouse. Despite a disappointing start, Hamilton remains optimistic about the W15 at Suzuka, considering the FP2 session to be his best performance this year.
Mercedes has been grappling with car issues in high-speed corners for the past two years. With this in mind, the team aimed to resolve these problems during the ongoing campaign. However, they only achieved mediocre success, leading Hamilton to declare this year as his worst start to an F1 season. Nevertheless, the team is now filled with immense optimism after Friday morning’s positive performances from Hamilton and the car.
The 39-year-old driver was highly impressed with the car’s stability in the high-speed corners of the Suzuka International racing circuit. Hamilton concluded Friday’s session with a second-place finish in a rain-affected FP2 session, considering it to be the best session of the year for Mercedes. This sudden change of fortune has boosted Hamilton’s confidence in his chances for the race on Sunday.
Since the introduction of the ground-effect era of F1 cars, the Brackley-based team has been struggling. Although they have experienced glimpses of hope, they have not fully overcome their car’s flaws and understood them. However, Hamilton’s strong performance in Suzuka’s FP2 session has prompted him to advise the team against making any unnecessary changes.
The seven-time champion believes that Mercedes has a solid foundation to build upon. Hamilton was satisfied with the car’s stability, even with its predicted weaknesses. This has led him to instruct the engineers not to make any alterations to the car’s setup, as the W15 appears to be in its optimal state.
The qualifying session tomorrow will play a crucial role in determining Hamilton’s final position in the Japanese GP on Sunday. His fans will be out in large numbers to support him during this highly anticipated race.