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Hamilton reveals "deep process" after "letting team down so much"

22 October 2023 at 21:54

After a tough weekend in Qatar, Lewis Hamilton pushed Max Verstappen right to the line at the United States Grand Prix, finishing just 1.5 seconds behind the three-time champion in second place at Austin, Texas.

Hamilton bounces back after Qatar troubles

Around the Circuit of the Americas, Mercedes' strategy call left the seven-time world champion on the fresher and faster medium tyre, which allowed the Brit to attack Verstappen on older hard tyres towards the end of the race.

In the end, it was to no avail, as he finished just short of the Dutchman as the chequered flag fell, but it was an improved showing after the disappointment of Qatar, which he mentioned in the post-race interview with Jenson Button.

"It was really difficult after the last race, firstly with everything that's going on in the world and with the big mistake I made. I felt like I let the team down so much, so I had to go through a deep process. It's not how you fall. It's how you get back up."

He also spoke about today's race and Verstappen's dominance this season. "We have to congratulate these guys. They've done a great job. Max is flawless. I was hopeful, but we needed more laps. But we came in fighting. I have loved the States ever since I was eight years old. I have always felt welcome here."