Lewis Hamilton cut a thoughtful figure following a mixed qualifying session for the Japanese GP, where he finished eighth as team-mate Charles Leclerc secured a solid fourth on the grid.
In the Ferrari garage, all eyes were on the diverging setups between their drivers and how those choices unfolded over the hour-long session.
“I think it’s the first weekend Charles and I have gone in different directions and set up,” Hamilton revealed.
When asked whether Leclerc may have outperformed the SF-25 during qualifying at the Japanese GP Hamilton was generous in his praise: “I think Charles did a great lap today. Really, really well done to him. Whether or not he outperformed the car, maybe a little bit, but great lap.”
What made the difference at Ferrari during Japanese GP qualifying?
The British driver admitted that Leclerc’s setup path may have been more effective over one lap. “I think probably for a single lap today, probably Charles’ direction was a bit better.” Yet Hamilton remained optimistic about the choices he made, saying, “I don’t know. I’ll find out tomorrow. I am generally happy with the direction that it took.”
Hamilton also reflected on the struggles with front-end grip, a persistent issue that reared its head in Q3. “As I said, I struggled with the front end. That’s why I had that snap in the Q3 run.”
Despite the Qualifying setback, Hamilton remained positive about the weekend overall, noting the electric atmosphere around Suzuka. “The track is amazing to drive. It’s been awesome. The fans have been incredible. It’s amazing to see how many Ferrari fans are here. Obviously, I wish I was higher up, but it does what it is.”
Lewis Hamilton on the rain forecast for the race
With potential rain looming for race day, Hamilton hinted that all is still to play for. “The track is just incredible in all conditions,” he said. “It’s had more grip all weekend. Hopefully, that’s the case tomorrow in the rain.”
As Ferrari continues to evaluate the performance split between its drivers and search for upgrades, Hamilton’s calm self-assessment may prove vital to turning experimentation into race-day execution.
