Why is it that Lewis Hamilton hasn’t always been able to extract the maximum from the current generation of Mercedes cars? According to Technical Director Andrew Shovlin, the answer lies primarily in Hamilton’s “aggressive driving style”. This style doesn’t always mesh well with the Mercedes machines.
Hamilton entered the summer break more than satisfied, with two victories in four races, including his home race at Silverstone. The seven-time world champion achieved these victories despite the ongoing clash between his driving style and the current generation of F1 cars.
Hamilton’s Driving Style vs. Mercedes Cars
What the W15, and its two predecessors, demand from Hamilton during qualification, goes against his natural way of steering. “It’s mainly that he had difficulty during a fast lap. It’s more about the way he wants to attack a corner,” explains Andrew Shovlin, Technical Director of Mercedes. “When he does that, the car starts to oversteer. You start to build up the tire temperature.”
Mercedes’ Strategy to Address Hamilton’s Issues
The British engineer also reveals how Mercedes attempted to address Hamilton’s problem. “We primarily tried to provide him with a car that allows for an aggressive driving style, so that you can extract the lap time without it falling away when turning in,” explains Shovlin. “One of the areas where we improved the car is that we already have a setup in VT1 that forms a good basis for further building on performance and further setup. This greatly aids your weekend.”
Hamilton Adapts His Driving Style
Hamilton tries to further accommodate his team by also adjusting his driving style. “Ultimately, as a driver, you have to adapt. You have to admit that your approach to certain things is sometimes not perfect, and then you look at how you can still maintain the essence of what has made you so good and how you can further develop that,” concludes the British driver.
