THE HEAT IS ON FOR DRIVERS IN MIAMI
ANDY DUNN
BY
LEWIS HAMILTON lost TWO KILOS of his body weight in just one day of practice ahead of the baking-hot inaugural Miami GP.
And all drivers in today’s 57-lap race are bracing themselves for some of the most testing conditions of the season, with temperatures due to soar above the mid-30s.
Hamilton said: “The race is going to be really tough. I’ve already lost a couple of kilos in one day.
“The heat reminds me a little bit of driving in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is still number one in terms of the heat, then Singapore, and now here in Miami.”
The 192-mile race, on a new track that is unfamiliar to the drivers, will be a severe test. But Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell believes the conditions will actually work in their favour.
Russell, fastest in the second practice session on Friday, explained: “We always knew that the warm conditions here would suit our car better – we’ve suffered from not
getting temperature in the tyres at previous races so that is a big factor here.
“The car is running well but we’re not getting carried away.
“It was probably the most productive Friday we have had this season in terms of learning.
“You generally have races that go in your favour and some that go against you. Imola obviously was not a strong circuit for us but the car seems to work well around Miami.
“It’s a unique circuit, I was a bit unsure how I would take to the slowspeed, tight section underneath the bridge, but for the rest, they’ve done an amazing job – undulating in sections, with high-speed corners, it’s great for the fans.”
Having finished fourth in second practice, Hamilton was also optimistic but not quite as bullish as Russell.
Hamilton said: “The car feels similar but we seem quicker and we’ve obviously improved in places. We still have the bouncing but, bit by bit, we’re improving the car.”