Lewis Hamilton Credits Improved Ferrari 'Processes' Despite Mexico City GP Penalty

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari is making significant strides through improved 'processes,' even as he missed a debut podium at the Mexico City Grand Prix due to a 10-second penalty. The seven-time World Champion emphasized that these enhanced operational procedures are key to unlocking more performance from the car.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's consistent struggle to challenge for championships has often been attributed to operational inconsistencies and development pace. Hamilton's comments highlight a shift towards refining internal workings, which could be critical for the team's long-term competitiveness and its immediate battle for P2 in the Constructors' Championship against Mercedes and Red Bull.

The Details:

• Hamilton started fourth at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and was battling Max Verstappen early in the race.
• He received a 10-second penalty for "gaining a lasting advantage" after going off track during a Turn 4 tussle with Verstappen.
• Despite arguing that Verstappen pushed him off, stewards ruled against Hamilton, who ultimately finished eighth.
• Improved Processes: Hamilton noted that while the car itself hasn't seen major development upgrades, Ferrari has "extracted more from it" due to better processes.
  • These improvements span from arrival at the track, to debriefs, team engineering decisions, and even strategic timing for track exits.
  • He also highlighted positive collaboration with Charles Leclerc in developing the car.
• Leclerc's Agreement: Charles Leclerc, who finished second, echoed Hamilton's sentiments, stating there was no "silver bullet" but rather improvements "a little bit everywhere" through better processes and small details.
  • Leclerc believes the team is now in a more comfortable position to manage certain aspects that were weaknesses earlier in the season.
• Car Characteristics: Hamilton mentioned he's finally understanding how to drive the car, which has characteristics Leclerc has been accustomed to for years.

The Big Picture:

The fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship is incredibly tight. With McLaren having secured P1, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull are separated by just 10 points with four race weekends remaining. While Ferrari and Mercedes were initially the main contenders for P2, Max Verstappen's recent strong performances, coupled with Yuki Tsunoda's points, have brought Red Bull into the mix. This intense battle is expected to go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, where every point will count.

What's Next:

Ferrari's focus on refining its 'processes' could be a game-changer. If these internal improvements translate into more consistent on-track performance, it could provide the edge needed to secure P2 in the Constructors' Championship. The upcoming races will be a crucial test of whether these operational gains can withstand the pressure of a three-way fight for the runner-up spot.