Hamilton Vows to 'Have Some Fun' Despite Sao Paulo Sprint Qualifying Setback

Lewis Hamilton faced an ironic twist during Friday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint qualifying, as Charles Leclerc's spin inadvertently triggered yellow flags, hindering Hamilton's final lap and knocking him out in SQ2. Despite starting 11th in the Sprint race, the seven-time world champion maintained a positive outlook, promising to "have some fun" on track.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's qualifying misfortune, a recurring theme in a challenging season, highlights the fine margins in F1 Sprint formats. His determination to enjoy the race despite a poor grid position offers insight into his mindset as the season concludes, shifting focus from championship contention to pure racing enjoyment.

The Details:

• Hamilton's final flying lap in SQ2 was compromised by double-waved yellow flags caused by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc spinning in the second sector.
• This forced Hamilton to lift off, ultimately resulting in him crossing the finish line after the checkered flag and securing 11th on the grid for the Sprint.
• Stewards Investigation: Hamilton was initially investigated for allegedly driving too quickly under the yellow flags but was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
• Team Pace Assessment: Hamilton noted, "The team thought we were a lot faster than we are. We gave it everything and that’s ultimately what matters most, we were just not quick enough."
• Leclerc's Own Struggles: Leclerc, who inadvertently caused Hamilton's issue, qualified 8th. He reported a "very slow" car and a rejected upshift in SQ3 that cost him a crucial tenth and a half.

The big picture:

Hamilton's season has been characterized by a blend of bad luck, inconsistent car pace, and moments where his skill alone couldn't overcome the machinery's limitations. His current mantra of "just about having fun" reflects a shift in focus after a year that hasn't met his high standards. For both Hamilton and Leclerc, the Interlagos weekend so far has been about managing expectations and extracting what they can from challenging circumstances.

What's next:

Starting from 11th, Hamilton will be looking to make up positions in the Sprint race, potentially providing some classic on-track action. While unlikely to challenge for the win, his promise to "have some fun" suggests he'll be pushing hard and aiming for an entertaining performance. Leclerc will also be seeking to improve Ferrari's pace and salvage a better result from his 8th-place start.