Lewis Hamilton Reignites Optimism at Singapore GP with “Best FP2 Session of the Year
In a recent statement, Lewis Hamilton expressed high spirits following the first day of practice at the Singapore Grand Prix. The seven-time F1 champion described Free Practice Two as the best session he’s had this year, marking a potential upturn for Mercedes amid recent challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Hamilton’s Encouraging Performance: Despite Mercedes’ struggles with the new 2022 regulations, Lewis Hamilton showcased a promising performance in Singapore, placing fifth in both practice sessions. His upbeat assessment indicates a potential resurgence for the team.
- Track Modifications Praised: Hamilton praised the recent changes to the Singapore track, citing improvements in the driving experience. The modifications, including a new track surface and the removal of four corners, have significantly enhanced the circuit according to the British driver.
- Optimism for Race Weekend: With the best Friday session feel of the year, Hamilton looks forward to building on this momentum. He remains hopeful for the remainder of the weekend, including the upcoming final practice and qualifying sessions.
Lewis Hamilton, a dominant figure in Formula 1 with seven world titles, shared a positive outlook after the first day of practice at the Singapore Grand Prix. In what has been a challenging phase for Mercedes since the introduction of new regulations in 2022, Hamilton’s fifth-place finish in both practice sessions signals a possible turnaround for the team.
Reflecting on the day, Hamilton said, “It’s been a great day here in Singapore. They have done an amazing job with the track changes; I love driving this circuit now more than ever. The new track surface is great, and it made the track even more enjoyable to drive. Then the removal of the four corners near the end of the lap has absolutely perfected the circuit. It’s incredible to drive.”
He further elaborated on his sessions, emphasizing the second practice’s significance. “In terms of our day overall, FP1 was solid. We were still a little bit off where we wanted to be, but it wasn’t too bad. FP2 was for sure the best FP2 session I’ve had this year. It was nice to finish a Friday feeling so positive.”
This positive sentiment from Hamilton comes at a crucial time for Mercedes. Since the regulatory changes in 2022, the team has faced hurdles, with only one race victory achieved by George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton himself has not won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, making his current optimism particularly noteworthy.
As the weekend progresses, the focus will shift to the final free practice session and the crucial qualifying rounds. Hamilton’s comments have set an optimistic tone for Mercedes, suggesting that the team may be on the cusp of a significant performance improvement. With Hamilton’s experience and skill, and the team’s ability to adapt and improve, the Singapore Grand Prix could be a turning point in their season.
