Lewis Hamilton Does Not Agree With Mercedes Strategy of “DRS to Russell” Leading To Ferrari Taking Over

Lewis Hamilton said it “made no sense” to give teammate George Russell DRS in the final circuits of the Japanese Grand Prix to defend against Carlos Sainz.

Lewis Hamilton Does Not Agree With Mercedes Strategy of “DRS to Russell” Leading To Ferrari Taking Over

Russell was in fifth place late in the Suzuka race, but Hamilton and Sainz were closing up on him.

Russell was on significantly older tyres because he chose to replace his tyres only once, whilst his competitors behind him were using a two-stop strategy.

Hamilton was instructed by teammate George Russell to slow down somewhat in the final circuits of the race in order to offer Russell DRS and hold off Carlos Sainz’s attack behind him.

However, the tactic backfired as the Ferrari driver overtook Russell and then built pressure on Hamilton in the dying minutes of the race.

Following the tactical breakdown, Hamilton was critical of the choice, claiming that it made no sense for his team to make that option.

‘When they suggested it to me, I knew that they obviously thought of it from the last race but it made no sense.’ Hamilton explained.

Russell advised to Mercedes that it utilize DRS to retain Sainz behind the wheel, a strategy that the Spaniard used to win in Singapore last week.

However, Mercedes switched cars before requesting Hamilton to grant Russell DRS – but Sainz’s lead was sufficient to get him through.

‘I needed to get as far clear as possible. I was on my way, around two seconds ahead and they asked me to give George DRS and I had to come off the gas down the straight.

‘Then he got overtaken by Sainz. He then got past George and he was right on my tail which was not ideal.’

Hamilton finished the race in fifth place, with Sainz finishing in sixth and Russell a further place behind in seventh.

The remarks follow a tough race for Hamilton and his crew, in which the two British drivers fought over the radio following two near crashes in the early stages of the race.

After a dismal performance in Singapore last week, Max Verstappen returned to winning ways in Japan, placing first on the podium.

After the 2023 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, F1 analyst Karun Chandhok believes there is some tension between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Russell made a move on Lewis at the chicane after 130R, but the former champion quickly reclaimed the position on the next straight.

This was followed by another overtaking attempt close to the pit window, and this time Lewis Hamilton pushed George Russell wide on the spoon turn. With Lewis pitting first, George was forced to use a one-stop plan to attempt something new.

Is rivalry actually brewing between the teammates?

 

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

Empty Yankees Stadium On Season’s Final Home Game Shows The Fan’s Disappointment