Wolff Defends Hamilton: 'He Does Not Lose Car On Lap 2'

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 at 10:00

Mercedes team principal explained what he thought caused Lewis Hamilton's spin and consequent DNF at the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

The seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton had not completed more than two laps during the 19th round of the 2024 season in Austin before he lost his rear and spun off the track.

The Mercedes driver then got stuck in the gravel trap in the run-off area on the outside of turn number 19, which meant he had no other choice but to get out and call it a day.

The incident was quite strange as the 39-year-old obviously wasn't pushing much. The race had just started, and he knew he had to manage his tires as much as possible to make the race a one-stop strategy.

However, as we know, the seven-time World Champion didn't make it to the first pit stop. Speaking to the media after the race, Hamilton said he was confused about what happened as he couldn't remember the last time that he would spin out during a Grand Prix.

Read also

Button Points Out Problem With Regulations That Verstappen Takes Advantage Of

When the team principal of Mercedes - Toto Wolff, was asked what has what happened on that lap number two in turn number 19 and what was the problem, he told Sky Sports F1:

"100 percent car. He was not even pushing at that stage. We saw it with George on Saturday, perhaps that was maybe over-pushing it, but still abrupt losing it and putting it in the wall."

George Russell ended the qualifying session on Saturday a bit earlier as he lost the rear of his car at the exact same spot as Hamilton did one day later. Wolf continued:

"Today, there was wind and a bit of dirty air from the car in front. We definitely have an issue. I don't know if yesterday was the same. Lewis Hamilton doesn't lose the car on lap [two] like this."