At a circuit that Hamilton has at all times loved, he certified fifth within the shootout however fell away to a distant seventh within the dash itself, shedding locations to Charles Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda.
In simply 24 laps he dropped 34.7 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen, having chased the Dutchman dwelling within the US GP earlier than his disqualification, and likewise put in a charging drive to second in Mexico.
“The final couple of races we have been excited that we’re progressing, and it has been actually Positive to see,” stated Hamilton.
“And also you come to a different monitor after which you’ve the worst deg that you have had for ages. So it is such as you simply do not know what to anticipate with this one.
“However solely a pair extra races with this automotive and it is gone, and I will be joyful! This 12 months, you are simply counting down the times, making an attempt to get pleasure from day-after-day as you may.”
Hamilton stated that he struggled with the steadiness of the automotive from the early levels.
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Mechanics convey Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W14, to the Dash grid
“It was a really robust race,” he stated. “I feel we bought a superb begin after which… steadiness. We tried to get the best steadiness with the wing, simply plenty of understeer, snap oversteer, and the rear tyres simply dropped off. And within the mid-sector, big understeer.
“I do not know whether or not we bought the set-up fallacious. We most likely bought the set-up fallacious, however it’s what it’s.”
He added: “I feel we’ve got one the draggiest vehicles. Our flooring shouldn’t be as sturdy as maybe the Pink Bull, for instance, so we’ve got to have a extremely massive wing, after which we’re simply gradual on the straight. We will not use something smaller.”
Hamilton downplayed the possibilities of cooler circumstances probably serving to the group in Sunday’s fundamental race, which he’ll begin from fifth place.
“I do not suppose that is going to assist,” he stated. “It is a type of circuits that is difficult for tyres, however that is the worst deg I feel I’ve ever had right here. I am unable to bear in mind the final time I had that unhealthy a deg right here.”