It was a mixed day for world champions Mercedes as the problems for Lewis Hamilton continue he had difficulties in Q1 when he had Energy Recovery System (ERS) problems. This meant he was unable to get out of the first session.
But his team-mates role of form going back to Mexico continued as Nico Rosberg managed to get his third pole of the season.
Challenging conditions
The session was irrupted as drivers made mistakes in the wet and if your pascal Wehrlein in a Manor car it’s more difficult. He hit the first damp patch on the entry to turn 16 which he appeared to recover from before opening DRS on the finish line where there was a damp patch.
There are three factors there the damp track, when lines are wet there more slippery and being on the slick tyres. But he will learn from that error and hopefully not make that mistake again.
Errors from experienced teams
Nico Hulkenberg could have been higher on the grid because he couldn’t take part after his wheel came off his car which forced him to stop on track meaning he has a three place grid penalty. This may be harsh but we have seen tyres coming off which can be fatal.
Hulkenberg says “To be honest I don’t know what happened. We all saw that the wheel came off, but why and how, I don’t know. It was attached properly when we left the garage because everything felt normal.”
“It didn’t feel loose and there was no indication from the steering. When it came off, it happened suddenly.”
Hulkenberg’s crash hindered McLaren who left it very late to come out which means they were out too late. It’s always a risk that teams will take but the later in the better the track.
Ferrari strong
Both Ferrari’s looked strong but were making mistakes on track on their last runs in Q3. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are two very experienced drivers but they can make mistakes. They should be strong in the race tomorrow.
There mistakes helped Red Bull which means they maybe a treat to Ferrari in the race.
Race preview
Ferrari look to be the best to challenge tomorrow because we know there strong and Rosberg/Hamilton don’t have the security of each other to pull away. Mercedes have good pace and there are good overtaking opportunities so he could come through.
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