Lewis Hamilton attributed his impressive performance in the Canadian Grand Prix qualifying to a significant change in his pre-race routine. The seven-time World Champion opted out of using Ferrari’s simulator, focusing instead on detailed data analysis and setup work with engineers. This adjustment paid off as Hamilton outperformed his teammate Charles Leclerc for the first time since the Chinese Grand Prix.
“It was probably our best Qualifying session that we’ve had in a while,” Hamilton remarked after securing the fifth position on the sprint grid. He praised the collaborative effort with engineers on setup changes, noting the car’s excellent performance since the practice sessions. Hamilton’s strong showing in both Sprint Qualifying sessions was overshadowed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren competitors.
Reflecting on his decision to skip the simulator, Hamilton highlighted the time spent enhancing his physical fitness and analyzing the car’s balance characteristics. This strategic shift allowed him to concentrate on training and delve deeper into ride stability and corner balance adjustments. The implementation of a new setup, untested before, significantly improved the car’s performance, setting a positive tone for the upcoming races.
Despite Hamilton’s success, his Ferrari counterpart, Charles Leclerc, faced challenges with braking during Sprint Qualifying. Leclerc expressed discomfort with the car’s braking performance, emphasizing the need to address the issue promptly. While acknowledging Hamilton’s exceptional speed, Leclerc focused on resolving his braking concerns to enhance his performance in the upcoming races.
