Lewis Hamilton explains US Grand Prix spin

AUSTIN — Lewis Hamilton had never spun in Turn 3 before at the Circuit of the Americas.

Until this week.

Earlier this week in practice Hamilton had a spin in Turn 3, something that might have been an indication that he was in for a difficult week here in Austin. In the early stages of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Hamilton spun off the track and into the gravel at Turn 19, bringing his day to a close on just the third lap of the race.

Speaking with the media, including SB Nation, shortly after his spin Hamilton outlined what happened from his point of view.

“Yeah, I had a great start, was feeling good. I obviously got up to 12th, best start in Turn 1 that I’ve had in a long time. I wasn’t even pushing it at that point,” said Hamilton. “I was just starting to get going. Obviously trying to bring the tires up to temperature.

“The car started bouncing, the left front started bouncing, and the rear end just came around the same as George [Russell} yesterday.”

In response to a question from Elizabeth Blackstock of PlanetF1 regarding whether he had any indication the spin was coming, Hamilton noted that he had a similar spin, back on Friday in P1 at Turn 3, which he described as “rare.”

“P1, I had the same thing I had to spin in Turn 3. Which is so rare, like I’ve never spun in Turn 3 in all the years that I’ve been here and no, I’ve never there before,” said Hamilton. “So I was just saying that, you know, George [Russell] has obviously had the same problem yesterday and he’s gone back to the old spec car and he’s looking good out there.

Hamilton noted that even if the incident did not happen early in the race, it was probably going to happen at some point.

“Well, if I didn’t have this bouncing and stuff, I mean, that, I think if it didn’t happen, that lap would have happened another lap coming up,” said Hamilton. “Because something wasn’t quite right there on the car and it’s been the same most of the weekend with this new package we have.

“Yeah, it’s obviously devastating but it is what it is.”

In response to a question from SB Nation, Hamilton admitted that it will be beneficial to have a full complement of practice sessions in Mexico City next week, so Mercedes can get a handle on the balance issues, and decide whether to continue with the new specifications on the W15, or revert to the old specification. As Hamilton was speaking with SB Nation, he noted that Russell — who started from pit lane after reverting to the old specification after a crash in practice — was up running in the points.

“Yeah, I think thankfully we’ll get the data from today and we’ll find out whether or not we’re gonna be on the old or new spec next week,” said Hamilton. “And yeah, usually after a weekend like this, it’s good to race back to back.

“I’m glad we’ll be driving in four days time.”

And with that the seven-time champion was off with a smile on his face, and his mind already focused on improving things next week in Mexico City.