Lewis Hamilton sounding ‘forlorn’ in Max Verstappen fight at Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton goes undercover to inspire school children

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Damon Hill admits Lewis Hamilton sounded “forlorn” on the radio, after being told he was running P3 during third practice, nearly seven-tenths behind the Red Bull of Sergio Perez. Hamilton’s race engineer Peter Bonnington was heard telling the reigning champion he was “P3 at the moment,” adding that he was “Six-and-a-half tenths to Perez.”

“Six-and-a-half tenths?” replied Hamilton, sounding disheartened across the Mercedes team radio.

Perez topped the final session ahead of qualifying with a 1:17.024, with his team-mate Max Verstappen just over a tenth behind.

However, Hamilton crossed the line third, 0.651s behind his main title rival and championship leader Verstappen.

And Hill reckons Red Bull’s advantage in Mexico could be affecting the seven-time world champion.

“He [Hamilton] sounded a bit forlorn, didn’t he?” stated the 1996 World Champion on Sky Sports F1 following third practice. “With his comments on the radio and remarks on the gap between himself and his title rival.

JUST IN:
Lewis Hamilton’s retirement discussed ahead of Mexican Grand Prix

“[He’s] not looking so hot, but then Max’s lap wasn’t so brilliant either. He was a bit unhappy with his attempt at the time, but Sergio must be delighted.”

Cheers erupted around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as Perez set the fastest time in front of his home crowd, with Verstappen just 0.193s behind.

And Hill praised the Mexican’s ability to build up temperature in his tyres.

Hill added: “He [Perez] hadn’t been out and done a time. Then he did a slow recharge lap, and then he got his time on his third lap with the tyres.

“So this indicates the tyres being quite durable, and that maybe heat build-up in the tyres is important.”

Red Bull could have a headache on their hands if Verstappen and Perez claim the top two spots.

DON’T MISS:
Red Bull ‘disappointed’ in Toto Wolff’s extreme tactics comment
Lewis Hamilton summoned to race stewards ahead of Mexican GP
Lewis Hamilton’s reaction to early critics amid dad’s warning

Verstappen is caught up in a tense title battle with Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, Perez is hoping to wow a home crowd, currently sitting fourth in the standings.

But boss Christian Horner remained firmly on the fence as to what they may do come race day on Sunday.

“I suppose we’re going to get in that position, so it’d be a beautiful headache to have,” Horner told F1.

“We’ve had some great receptions this year at races, but coming into the circuit this morning outside the hotel, arriving at the airport.

“I mean that Mexicans, they love Formula One, and they certainly love Checo.

“So, you know, we’re delighted to have a Mexican driver in our car this year. And I hope with both drivers we can put a great show.

“I think it’s important not to put too much expectation on him. Always that temptation at your own race to push that a bit harder.

“And I think we’ve tried to keep the build-up pretty measured for him and not put too much expectation that I’m sure he’s putting on himself.

“Home races are tough for any driver, so we’ll do our best to support him through that.”

Source: Read Full Article