Lewis Hamilton revealed that technical issues with his Mercedes cost him between 0.8 and 0.9 seconds per lap during the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, severely impacting his race performance and preventing a fight for top positions.
Lewis Hamilton has disclosed that his Mercedes suffered significant technical problems during the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, costing him an estimated 0.8 to 0.9 seconds per lap. According to a report by RaceFans, the seven-time world champion stated that the issues made it impossible to compete for the front positions.
What went wrong with Hamilton’s car?
Hamilton did not specify the exact nature of the problems but hinted at engine performance or aerodynamic issues. “The car was behaving strangely, especially in the high-speed corners, which cost me a lot of time,” he said after the race.
How much time did Hamilton lose?
Hamilton confirmed the time loss ranged between 0.8 and 0.9 seconds per lap. In a race like the Japanese GP, where margins are tiny, such a deficit translates to a significant drop in the standings.
How did this affect his race result?
Although Hamilton did not disclose his final position, the time loss suggests he would have achieved a much better result without the issues. “Without these problems, I would have been in a completely different battle,” he added.
Are these problems recurring for Mercedes?
The 2026 season has been challenging for Mercedes, with both Hamilton and his teammates facing performance and reliability issues. Hamilton confirmed that the team is working hard to resolve them before the next race.
What’s next for Hamilton and Mercedes?
Formula 1 moves from Japan to the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. Hamilton is eager to fix the problems ahead of the next race.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time did Hamilton lose in the Japanese GP?
Hamilton lost between 0.8 and 0.9 seconds per lap due to car problems, according to his statements.
What caused Hamilton's car issues?
Hamilton did not specify the exact cause but hinted at engine or aerodynamic problems.
Will these issues affect upcoming races?
Hamilton confirmed that Mercedes is working on fixes before the Chinese Grand Prix, but it's unclear if the problems will be fully resolved.
Sources
- RaceFans — Hamilton says car problems cost him “eight to nine tenths per lap” in Japanese GP | Formula 1
