Mercedes provide two-word update on Lewis Hamilton fitness after ‘pain’ complaints at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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Lewis Hamilton reported pain over the team radio in practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The track has been resurfaced, but multiple drivers have complained about the bumps.

Organisers at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace are bound to face questions. The ride seems to be extremely rough when it should, in theory, be smoother.

Hamilton told his engineer Peter Bonnington that ‘I’m actually in a bit of pain’ in the final minutes of the one and only practice session. He wanted to know ‘how much longer’ he had to stay out.

There was no immediate concern from Mercedes, who instructed him to complete another lap as planned. But Hamilton went on to struggle in Sprint qualifying.

He was knocked out in SQ2 and will start Saturday’s race from 11th. The seven-time world champion lapped slower than newcomers Oliver Bearman and Liam Lawson, as well as Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly.

Hamilton had to wait until 2016 to score his first victory in Brazil but has added two more since. Unfortunately, it doesn’t like he’s in a position to compete this weekend.

Ted Kravitz says Lewis Hamilton is okay despite Sao Paulo Grand Prix pain

Speaking live on Sky Sports F1 as Sprint qualifying got underway, Ted Kravitz relayed an update from Mercedes on Hamilton’s condition. He enquired about whether the 39-year-old would need any painkillers.

Hamilton is the second-most experienced driver on the F1 grid behind Fernando Alonso but he’s also the second-oldest. Both Mercedes drivers have repeatedly complained about ride quality in the ground effect generation of cars.

But the team told Kravitz that Hamilton is ‘all good’ and fit to continue as normal. He didn’t attempt to use his discomfort as an excuse for his poor qualifying performance.

“Let me update you as to Lewis Hamilton and his hurty back,” Kravitz said. “Two words from Mercedes when I said ‘how is he, does he need one of those pillows you have in the car or some painkillers?’ Mercedes said don’t worry, ‘all good’.”

Mercedes reserve says Lewis Hamilton is doing something ‘very impressive’ in private

At this point, Hamilton outwardly appears resigned to being off the pace over a single lap. He trails George Russell an alarming 15-5 on a Saturday and has only beaten him in one of the eight qualifying sessions since the summer break (Grand Prix and Sprint).

He could arguably be forgiven for his shifting his focus towards Ferrari. There’s little to fight for in the remaining races and he’s irreparably at odds with the W15.

But Mercedes reserve Esteban Gutierrez says Hamilton is still working diligently with his engineers to try and find a fix. He finds his enduring commitment ‘very impressive’.

Unfortunately, Mercedes won’t have any more upgrades this year. Russell’s recent accidents have put the team at risk of breaching the cost cap, so they need to curb their development.