Lewis Hamilton Praises Ferrari's Improved Processes After Mexico GP Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton secured P3 on the grid for the Mexico Grand Prix, marking a significant qualifying achievement for Ferrari. The seven-time champion noted that this was the first time both he and Charles Leclerc had placed in the top three in qualifying this year, attributing the success to improved team processes rather than major car development.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's improved qualifying performance, highlighted by both drivers in the top three, signals a potential step forward in operational efficiency. For Hamilton, who has openly discussed his adaptation to the Maranello outfit, this result indicates his increasing comfort and ability to extract more performance from the car, building crucial momentum for future races.

The details:

• Hamilton will start the Mexico GP in third, behind polesitter Lando Norris and teammate Charles Leclerc.
• He emphasized that the team hasn't necessarily moved the car forward in development but has "extracted more from it" due to "better processes."
• Strategic Starting Position: Hamilton views P3 as a "kind of perfect" starting point for the Mexico GP, especially given the long run to Turn 1.
• Race Pace Optimism: Despite the challenges, Hamilton believes Ferrari's race pace is "not too bad" and is hopeful for a strong performance.
• Adaptation Period: Since joining Ferrari at the start of the season, Hamilton has been on a steep learning curve with the car's characteristics and has yet to win a Grand Prix with the team.
  • His best Grand Prix finish this year has been fourth place, achieved at Emilia-Romagna, Austria, Great Britain, and the United States.
  • He did secure his first sprint race win with Ferrari in China.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's comments on "process improvement" suggest Ferrari is refining its operational methodologies, which can be as crucial as raw car development. His ongoing adaptation and the team's ability to maximize existing resources point to a more cohesive unit, even as they continue to build foundational understanding. His belief that "every track is the first time I'm in a Ferrari with this car" underscores the depth of his integration process and the long-term vision.

What's next:

While Hamilton is optimistic about a strong race in Mexico, the focus remains on consistent performance and further integration with the team. A podium finish in Mexico would be a significant milestone, reinforcing the progress in processes and Hamilton's increasing synergy with the Ferrari package. This foundational year is crucial for positioning Ferrari and Hamilton for a more competitive future.