Lewis Hamilton’s race at the 2024 United States GP came to an early and unfortunate end with the Mercedes driver facing retirement from the US GP after just three laps.
The seven-time world champion lost control of his Mercedes W15 at Turn 17, spinning off the track and becoming stuck in the gravel. It marked his second retirement of the 2024 season, a surprising outcome at one of his traditionally strong circuits.
Hamilton’s short-lived race began positively. Starting on hard tyres, he quickly made his way through the field, gaining five positions and climbing to 12th place. However, as he was beginning to settle into the race, a sudden loss of rear grip caused by the car’s bouncing led to his spin.
“I had a great start, was feeling good and got up to 12th. It was the best start that I’ve had at turn one in a long time,” Hamilton told the press, including Total-Motorsport.com.
“I wasn’t even pushing at that point; I was literally just trying to get going and bringing the tyres up to temperature. The car started bouncing, the left front started bouncing and the rear end just came round.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also confirmed that the car was at fault for the incident, absolving Hamilton of any blame.
“[It was] 100% the car. He wasn’t even pushing at that stage. We seen it with George yesterday who was pushing it but still,” Wolff said to Sky Sports F1.
“We definitely have an issue. Lewis Hamilton does not lose a car on Lap 5 [sic].”
Aerodynamic issues and Mercedes analysis
Hamilton’s retirement from the US GP raised concerns about the upgrades Mercedes introduced in Austin. Both he and teammate George Russell experienced similar problems over the weekend, with Russell suffering a spin during qualifying.
Hamilton also had a mysterious off-track moment during practice, and both drivers believe the car’s new aerodynamic package might be responsible for the instability.
“I was just saying about George obviously having the same problem yesterday, he has gone back to the old-spec car and is looking good out there, so maybe there is something with the new upgrade,” Hamilton added.
“We also recorded a 40 kph gust of wind just as I turned in, which likely contributed to it. We will investigate as much as we can, and after today we will get the data and see if we are going to be on the old or the new spec next week.”
The incident triggered the first safety car in Formula 1 since the Canadian Grand Prix over four months ago.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Hamilton remained optimistic: “I’m sorry to the team. They worked incredibly hard to bring these updates. We’ll work even harder to get the car right for Mexico next weekend.”
Hamilton’s weekend in Austin was one to forget, with difficulties throughout practice and qualifying contributing to his early exit. The team now faces the task of resolving the car’s handling issues before the Mexican Grand Prix.