Hamilton Reveals What He Learned By Following Verstappen In Austin
F1Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 13:00
Updated at Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 19:54
Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton revealed insight he gained from following Red Bull driver Max Verstappen during the 2023 United States Grand Prix.
Even though Max Verstappen won yet another race in Austin last week, the results might not tell the whole story of how close the race was.
The battle for the lead was essentially between the three drivers - Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton. Norris would later fall out of the equation as it was clear his pace was slower in the second part of the race.
On the other hand, the seven-time World Champion started gaining on the Dutchman in the lead towards the end of the race, closing the gap to almost one second and coming very close to the DRS activation range.
While the Red Bull driver managed to keep his position in the lead and finished first, Hamilton gained some valuable insight following him on the track. Hamilton told the media:
"I think the only places we are probably on a level with them is in the low speed. Our car has generally been good in the low speed the last couple of years, but the higher speed we go, the more separation of them is, that's why you see them so quick in the race."
The Mercedes driver identified the competitive advantage of Red Bull cars is they move a lot less in high-speed corners, which makes it easier to manage their tires during the race.
"It is always a good experience to be behind them because you can see first-hand where they can go on the power earlier than most of us, the car moves a lot less so degradation on the rear tyres is much easier to manage."
Hamilton remembered he used to have a car during his dominant era that would have similar characteristics. Better management of the tires in corners allows drivers to push more.
"I have been in that position before where I have had a much more stable rear end and it is so much easier to keep the temperatures lower on the tyre and go longer."
Hamilton concluded by admitting that the Red Bull team has done a better job in developing a platform of the car that is more stable and gives Verstappen exactly what he needs.
"They've just done a better job in that space where they have a more stable platform, to which it's much easier to drive for Max."
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