Lewis Hamilton delivered a masterclass in recovery driving at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, surging from 10th on the grid to claim an impressive second-place finish. The seven-time world champion likened the thrilling charge through the field to his early days in karting, evoking memories of starting at the back and fighting his way to the front.
Hamilton’s Redemption After Tough Qualifying
Hamilton endured a challenging qualifying session, where errors during both of his flying laps in Q3 left him starting from the tail end of the top 10. However, the Mercedes driver showcased his skill and determination on race day, methodically climbing through the pack on the glitzy streets of Las Vegas.
With team-mate George Russell dominating from pole position to secure victory, Hamilton’s decisive moves and flawless strategy allowed him to secure second place after the final round of pit stops.
“I had a great time. When you’re progressing like that, it’s always a great feeling,” Hamilton shared post-race. “It felt very much like my old karting days at Rye House, starting at the back and working my way through – so it was fantastic.”
Mixed Emotions Despite Podium Finish
Hamilton praised the balance and pace of his car, which he noted felt significantly better in the race than during qualifying. However, he admitted to a sense of “bittersweet” satisfaction, believing a better qualifying position could have put him in contention for victory.
“If we had qualified where we should have yesterday, I think I could have won,” he said. “Nevertheless, I didn’t expect to finish P2 before the race, so I’m really happy with the result.”
Mercedes’ Rollercoaster Season
Mercedes has experienced a season of highs and lows, with moments of dominance like in Las Vegas, contrasted by struggles in other races. Despite securing four wins so far, the team has also grappled with occasional dips into lower points-paying positions.
Looking ahead to the final two races, Hamilton remained cautious about whether the team could maintain its Las Vegas-level performance.
“I have no idea! I don’t think anyone in the team knows why we were as quick as we were this weekend,” Hamilton admitted. “We’re happy about it, but often in hotter conditions, we tend to struggle more.”
He speculated that cooler conditions in Qatar might suit Mercedes, but he was less optimistic about their chances in Abu Dhabi.
A Spectacular Showcase in Sin City
The Las Vegas Grand Prix marked a thrilling addition to the Formula 1 calendar, and Hamilton’s electrifying drive through the field provided fans with an unforgettable spectacle. With just two races left in the season, his performance is a testament to his resilience and hunger to compete at the highest level.
While George Russell’s commanding win ensured a memorable weekend for Mercedes, Hamilton’s remarkable recovery reminded the world why he remains one of the sport’s greatest talents.
