Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to reassure followers that he’s nonetheless “feeling optimistic” regardless of one other disappointing session for Ferrari at america Grand Prix.
Hamilton is about to begin the Saturday dash race from eighth on the grid, qualifying almost 0.9s off Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc didn’t fare any higher, struggling for tempo after a compromised FP1 session wherein Ferrari had been compelled to alter his gearbox.
Leclerc was tenth in dash qualifying, almost 1.0s off Verstappen’s tempo.
Hamilton had proven robust velocity in observe, notably on the tougher rubber.
Equally, in SQ1, Hamilton solely wanted one quick lap to make it by to the following session.
Nevertheless, Ferrari’s tempo disappeared as qualifying progressed, with each drivers requiring last-ditch efforts to make SQ3.
Verstappen noticed off the 2 McLarens to take pole for the dash race.
Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg starred to safe fourth forward of George Russell and Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton was additionally overwhelmed by one of many Williams drivers.
It means Ferrari had the sixth-fastest automotive in dash qualifying – a worrying indictment of how a lot they’ve struggled this season.
Hamilton “feeling optimistic”
Hamilton stays assured of nonetheless having fun with a powerful weekend regardless of his lowly grid place.
The seven-time world champion has a powerful report in Austin, having delivered a number of standout performances on the Circuit of the Americas.
Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton beat Sebastian Vettel within the inaugural race at COTA in 2012.
Since then, he has added additional wins in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
On his Instagram story, Hamilton wrote: “Really feel nice within the automotive in the present day till quali. Nonetheless, I’m feeling optimistic.
“We will nonetheless have enjoyable from there guys. The assist up to now this weekend is immense. Thanks for being right here and to your love.”
