Lewis Hamilton is aiming to return to podium finishes after his performance in the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying session in Barcelona on Saturday. Securing fifth place for Sunday’s race, the seven-time world champion openly acknowledged his ongoing challenges and his determination to climb back onto the podium, which has eluded him for an extended period.
Hamilton Reflects on Qualifying and Challenges Faced
Following Saturday’s session, Hamilton admitted he has not stood on the podium for a considerable time.
“My goal is to try and get a podium. I’ve not had one for God knows how long,”
he told Sky Sports F1. This marks a continuing struggle for the driver amid McLaren’s ascendancy and difficulties faced by Ferrari, whose last podium occurred during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hamilton also revealed an issue during Friday’s practice sessions that affected his car’s performance.
“We had a problem with the floor, so I lost a lot of downforce in FP2 and the balance shifted massively,”
Hamilton explained. However, after adjustments overnight, the car’s handling improved significantly, allowing a better qualifying result.
Car Improvements and Race Expectations
Hamilton described the car’s transformation following repairs, stating,
“The car was much more drivable, much more enjoyable. We clearly made an improvement in qualifying to get into Q3 and be in the top five. I’m really happy with that.”
Looking ahead to the race, he anticipates fierce competition through the midfield, emphasizing the tight margins involved.
He commented,
“It will be close between everybody. Half a tenth can put you from sixth to 11th.”
With tire strategies expected to be crucial, Hamilton highlighted the division among teams using soft and medium compound tires, which could influence race outcomes dramatically.
Determined Focus on Race Day Goals
Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains focused on his fundamental objectives for the race: to get a strong start, manage tire wear effectively, and ultimately secure a spot on the podium once again. For a driver with 105 career wins, this ambition might seem modest, but it captures his current mindset and hunger to reestablish his status at the front of the pack.
