Hamilton rues ‘worst ever’ tyre degradation in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton has stated that the tyre degradation he suffered during the sprint race in Sao Paulo was among the worst he's ever experienced.

Hamilton started the race from fifth on the grid, equipped with the Soft compound in a choice that mirrored much of the field.

However, the seven-time World Champion struggled for pace during the 24 laps and classified in seventh after being overtaken by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda.

In the second half of the race, Hamilton's rear end was consistently stepping out as he exited corners, while he was also suffering from understeer in the mid-part of the lap.

“It was a very tough race,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.com.

“We got a good start, we tried to get the right balance of the wing but just [had] a lot of understeer, a snap of oversteer. In the middle sector [I had] huge understeer

“I don't know whether we got the set up wrong but it is what it is.”

With cooler conditions set to be present at the Intelragos Circuit on Sunday, Hamilton is doubtful that it will help him during the Grand Prix.

“I don't think that's going to do much for us,” he said.

“It's one of those circuits that is challenging for tyres but that's the worst degradation I think I've ever had here.

“I don't remember the last time I had that kind of degradation.”

Hamilton 'happy' season almost over

Mercedes' disappointing race follows from positive outings in the United States and Mexico, with Hamilton taking the chequered flag in second for both races (before being disqualified from the US result).

Hamilton suggested that he is looking towards the end of the year to be rid of the W14 amid its fluctuating form.

“The last couple of races we've been getting excited about progressing and it's been really positive to see,” he said.

“We come to another track and this you have the worst degradation that you have had for ages.

“You just don't know what to expect. But only a couple more races with this car, so I'm happy.”.