Lewis Hamilton downplayed the impact of potential changes to qualifying sessions in Formula 1 after the Japanese GP. The driver indicated that he does not expect major benefits and further warned that excessive changes might not bring the expected results.
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The discussion gained momentum after adjustments already implemented this weekend in Suzuka, with the reduction of the maximum energy recharge from 9,0 MJ to 8,0 MJ. The measure seeks to better balance power delivery and driver performance during the session.
With the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, there will be a one-month interval between Suzuka and the next round in Miami. This period will allow teams and the FIA to evaluate potential new changes to make qualifying laps more intense.
Even so, Hamilton showed caution when commenting on possible adjustments: “I’m not expecting much from it, but I hope they make some big changes,” said the seven-time champion, signaling that he does not believe in immediate gains for Ferrari.
The Briton also explained that he lost time during this Saturday’s session, after a change in the way energy is used. According to him, the change occurred after a moment of car instability, which ended up compromising his fast lap.
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Hamilton further stated: “Just in terms of performance, we are far behind the Mercedes engine, and what that is, we don’t know. If it’s just that they have a bigger turbo or more crankshaft power or something else,” he said.
The Ferrari driver highlighted that the team still needs to better understand the situation to evolve: “We’ll find out. We have to try to understand. We have to work harder to try to reduce the gap,” he added, reinforcing that the focus remains on development.
Finally, Hamilton explained why he doesn’t believe quick changes bring a solution: “I just think there will be many ‘cooks in the kitchen’. Normally this doesn’t end with a good result,” the Briton concluded, maintaining caution about the impact of potential changes.
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