Lewis Hamilton will not take reckless risks in the race to claim his third World Championship title
Qualified second after a very peculiar session in Austin, Lewis Hamilton is easing the pressure that could weigh on him in pursuit of a potential World Drivers' Championship title. Regarding his personal situation, this race would not be a "do or die."
Qualified second in Austin, Lewis Hamilton was ultimately defeated by his teammate Nico Rosberg.
The Englishman does not seem particularly worried: despite the extreme weather conditions, the Mercedes driver believes that his race will not be a gamble. Finishing in second place in Q2, which ultimately determined the Top 10, he observed with clarity that he was unable to beat his teammate during the few laps completed on track. However, in such a curtailed session, it was important for him to keep his composure.
The qualifications were just the beginning of serious matters. The race will be a long battle, especially in these conditions. It’s all about sensitivity with this track today, so I don’t need to take any particular risks, he admitted once he got out of his car or his speedboat, given the dire conditions, depending on the situation.
« There are four races left with this one, so it’s not make or break this weekend » he repeated to anyone who would listen.
You must consider that these conditions are incredibly tricky. They vary from corner to corner on the same lap, so you’re constantly driving on a knife edge. I have to apply the techniques I learned in my younger years, especially to find grip and react in case of aquaplaning, which you can never expect, he continued.
However, if Lewis Hamilton wants to secure his third World Championship title tonight, he will have to surpass his teammate. Hence, Hamilton needs to score two more points than Nico Rosberg and nine more points than Sebastian Vettel. As a reminder, the Ferrari driver has received a 10-place penalty for an engine change: he will start 15th.
From his second position, Hamilton only has to overtake Nico Rosberg and hope that Sebastian Vettel does not make a splendid comeback in the race, at least not to the 2nd place.
So, is Lewis Hamilton bluffing to deceive Rosberg and Vettel?
Sacred or not, we nevertheless hope that Lewis Hamilton will contribute to the spectacle at the front of the race, in order to add flair that would give even more depth to a probable future crowning.
