Hamilton questions Mercedes decision: 'Don't know why we didn't do that'

Lewis Hamilton was perhaps the closest he has been to winning a Grand Prix since 2021, but Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing proved to be too strong in the United States. The British driver feels like Mercedes now need to focus on the finer details after finding significant improvements in development.

Hamilton unsure about Mercedes' decision

Verstappen was the first of the front-runners to pit. Lando Norris and McLaren reacted to cover off the undercut, but Mercedes decided to run an off-set strategy. Hamilton, in conversation with Sky Sports, wasn't convinced they made the right choice.

"I think we should've stopped before Lando. I was within the undercut position. I don't know why we didn't do that. After that, I came out another eight seconds behind, and had to catch up. Then another eight econds behind, that deficit was so hard to catch up," Hamilton explained.

Hamilton's focus on the finer details, such as strategy and pitstop speed is perhaps the biggest sign of how he feels the car is performing. "We've got some work to do. But the car was feeling much better, I'm grateful for the work everyone has done back home. We need to pick up on areas such as pitstop and strategy for the next races," Hamilton added.

"He [Verstappen] started sixth and was out in front. They were quicker, and he stopped before everyone. They're still ahead, and they're not developing. We're bringing upgrades, and they're just chilling," Hamilton concluded.