Lewis Hamilton in the paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

Hamilton delivers encouraging Ferrari update after COTA qualifying

01:28, 19 Oct

Updated: 01:45, 19 Oct

bySamson Ero

Lewis Hamilton is confident his podium drought at the Scuderia Ferrari outfit could end come race Sunday at the United States Grand Prix.

“The car balance should be better tomorrow, so I’m hoping we can fight then.”

- Lewis Hamilton

The British driver who spoke to GPblog following the conclusion of qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas was asked about his chances of finishing on the podium in the race. Maintaining an upbeat tone, Hamilton expressed optimism that a strong result is within reach.

“It is. I've got to get past George tomorrow, that's key. They’re as fast as always. He was giving Max pressure; they’re always around,” he said.

“But those guys had upgrades, Red Bull and, I don’t know about McLaren, but I know Mercedes had an upgrade recently, which we haven’t. So for us to be where we are, given that’s the case, I’m really grateful. The car balance should be better tomorrow, so I’m hoping we can fight then.”

Lewis Hamilton during the United States Grand Prix weekend - Photo: RacePictures.

Hamilton remains without a podium finish since his switch to the Ferrari team ahead of the 2025 season. The British driver equalled Didier Pironi’s record of the longest wait for a podium at the Italian outfit last time out in Singapore.

For the race in Austin, the 40-year-old qualified in fifth place and has his sights set on climbing through the grid when the lights go out on Sunday.

Hamilton on lessons ahead of Sunday

Hamilton also touched on what he learnt from his outing through Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas. The Ferrari driver revealed his growing understanding of the SF-25 car and on his optimistic outlook through the weekend.

“I definitely learned a bit more about my car today. In general, I understand it a bit better now. I’ve been pretty happy throughout the weekend.”

“In qualifying, I wasn’t as strong as I’d been all weekend. As I said, I just had massive understeer and had to add too much lock, which kills the tyres.”

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