Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Hamilton admits confidence slump

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As he heads to Suzuka for next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton will be looking for answers from Mercedes after the team's unexpected downturn in Singapore.

The German outfit suffered a surprising performance drop relative to its major rivals around the demanding street circuit, compounded for Hamilton by a retirement - the first in twenty races - and the concession of 12 championship points to team mate and title contender Nico Rosberg.

Mercedes initially blamed the sub-par showing around the Marina Bay harbour on tyres but the team has yet to pinpoint the exact origin of the mysterious mishap, and determine more importantly whether the setback was a one-off or linked to something more fundamental.

"I don’t have any confidence," admitted the reigning World Champion.
"I don’t have any information to give me that confidence.

"I’m hoping it’s a one-off but that was a very, very strange weekend to say the least. I think some other people might have brought an upgrade package in Singapore, but that doesn’t explain it."

While Hamilton enjoys a 40-point cushion over title challenger Rosberg and 48 over Sebastian Vettel with six races remaining this season, the British driver won't take a back seat and will be seeking to regain as quickly as possible the dominant momentum which he established this year.

“I asked my engineers that I would like some information as soon as you know what you may or may not think it is," Hamilton added.

"But there is not a lot of time between now and the next race so a lot of focus has to go on that to try and improve it.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.