Lewis Hamilton revealed that his bizarre power loss during the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix was not due to his Ferrari power unit.
Instead, the seven-time World Champion emphasised it was “several things coming together” to cost him a second Ferrari podium. The Briton was reportedly losing ‘six to eight tenths’ of straight-line power in Suzuka’s race.
After a well-timed safety car allowed Hamilton to secure a top-three position, the loss of power significantly derailed his weekend.
From third, Hamilton dropped to sixth after being passed by several drivers, including his team-mate, Charles Leclerc. Unlike Hamilton, the Monegasque’s Ferrari had no issues, allowing Leclerc to sail to third. Marking a difficult weekend for the Briton.
Following the race, Hamilton highlighted that Ferrari did not understand the problem and why it only impacted him.
“I just struggled with power in the race. Some reason I was just down,” Hamilton told media, including Motorsport Week in Suzuka.
“So I need to try and understand why that is the case, whether my engine was down or what. I need to understand that.
Somehow, Charles had more power than me today, in the same car. So I need to understand why that is. He did a good job to get to third place. But, yeah, lacking power.”
Hamilton has positive outlook for Miami
Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton told the media that Ferrari had to do some detective work in the enforced break. Ultimately, the team were able to pinpoint the issue that plagued the Briton’s Japanese GP, and it stretched far beyond a Power Unit issue.
“I think it’s been good for everyone to step back and analyse their first three races,” Hamilton told media, including Motorsport Week.
“The last race, I could see I was down on power.
We did a deep dive and understand that it wasn’t the engine, but the systems all together, several things coming together to lose me eight to nine tenths of straight-line power.
Hamilton emphasised that they were able to resolve the issue early. In turn, the team were able to focus on the upcoming races, as well as take a well-deserved break early in the season.
“So we got on top of that, worked in the sim, been at the factory every week, training a huge amount, and refreshing for this weekend.”
With Hamilton’s issues officially resolved, Ferrari could be a potential winner this weekend at the Miami GP, overthrowing the seemingly ‘unbeatable’ Mercedes duo.
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