Home

F1

Lewis Hamilton Explains Why F1 Drivers’ Pit-Lane Delay in Qualifying isn’t ‘Ridiculous’

Published 09/05/2021, 6:10 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

The incident involving Haas drivers slowing down at the end of the last corner in Zandvoort has become a hot topic of discussion. Both drivers were fighting amongst each other to get a gap to get a clearer run on their final laps. The incident ruined the laps of several drivers on the hot laps, such as Vettel and Perez. Lewis Hamilton mentioned it is not uncommon for drivers to slow down in the pit lane and the last corner.

WATCH STORY: Lewis Hamilton’s Incredible Car Collection

The Mercedes driver gives his opinion on drivers slowing down in the pit lane

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

There have been occasions on the weekend where it is seen that drivers are driving slowly in the pit lane to get a gap. But Hamilton mentioned it is only natural that this will happen.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

When asked if it is ridiculous for drivers to drive slowly intentionally coming out of the pit lane, he replied –

“I don’t really know why that is ridiculous. We all need to get gaps and that’s just how it is. I don’t think it’s not unsafe for anyone, it’s in the pit lane and everyone is going slow. So you are just trying to optimize your time.

It’s a downforce-dependent circuit and you can’t be up the back of someone when you do the lap. You need at least a six-second gap.” Hamilton stated.

Why Do F1 Drivers Pickup Rubber?

No doubt it’s going to be tough tomorrow: Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton qualified P2 in the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying finishing just 0.038s behind Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver mentioned it is going to be hard to stop the Dutch driver in the race but hopes to get him through strategy.

“No doubt it’s going to be tough tomorrow,” said Hamilton, after qualifying.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Reuters

“I think Max and his team were quicker than us on the long run, but it’s not a track that you can particularly overtake on so it’s going to be [about] strategy tomorrow and how you can utilize the tires. The start will be fun,” mentioned Hamilton.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Verstappen will be wary of the Mercedes, as he would have to fight them alone in the race.

Can Lewis win the Dutch GP? Let us know.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Devang Chauhan

1,560Articles

One take at a time

Devang Chauhan is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. Having completed his graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication, he has a keen eye for writing engaging and detailed articles on F1. Previously a writer for Sports Social's 'Chase Your Sport' Magazine, Devang has been an ardent follower of the sport for over a decade and has attended two editions of the Indian Grand Prix.
Show More>