Sochi problems were 'a bunch of small things that added up' - Hamilton

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Lewis Hamilton struggled on race day in Sochi but is confident that the reasons for his relative under-performance in Russia have been ironed out by Mercedes.

After a thorough analysis by the German squad, the Brit's outlook for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix is positive.

"Coming into this weekend we have a good understanding of what went wrong," said Hamilton.

"There has been analysis as there is race-to-race. We have grown from experience of having won with a fast car and a car that struggled in so many areas.

"I definitely think we are better equipped now but I can't say it will be better this weekend, I hope it will be.

"There will be upgrades for everybody and we will be doing work tomorrow to get the car in the right place."

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Hamilton insisted he troubles did not stem from one particular issue but rather from a series of cumulated smaller troubles.

"It was just a bunch of small things that all added up in one pot. Nothing in particular, not single one thing that was bigger than another.

"That just led us in slightly the wrong direction but should be better this weekend.

"It is a tyre issue. So, in the sense of the tyre window working range is quite small, so the whole weekend I was generally not in the right window with 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.