LEWIS HAMILTON is “praying” for a non-bumpy car next year as he joked his dental fillings could fall out at the US Grand Prix.
The Mercedes star went third fastest in FP1 at the Circuit of the Americas on Friday.
But after the practice session Hamilton revealed it was a tough ride on the bumpy track, despite the upgrades made to his car.
Although the Brit acknowledge improvements have been made, he still pointed out it is a far cry from the car he drove last year.
Hamilton said: “I came here after Montreal and I drove last year’s car and it was so good.
“I remember getting out and just beaming from ear to ear because it was so smooth and had good downforce, good power. This year obviously we lost a bit of power with the biofuels.
“The car is so stiff now. Coming and driving the car, luckily I don’t actually have many [dental] fillings because, if I did, they would have all come out this year, for sure.
“It’s just so, so bumpy. I’m really praying for a non-bumpy car next year.”
Hamilton suffered with a back injury in the summer as a result of the car’s porpoising and the injury was so bad it prevented him from sleeping.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff expressed his concern over the porpoising issue, stating it is not safe for drivers.
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He claimed it could cause drivers brain damage and his team have been trying to remedy the issue all year long.
The latest steps include improvements to the front wing to improve flow conditioning, while the floor fences and floor edge have also been upgraded.
Hamilton feels the upgrades have worked and believes he is not too far off his rivals.
He added: “I kept the car in one piece today, which is good, and definitely felt improvements in the car.
“I’m hoping we make some changes tonight and we’ll find out tomorrow exactly where we stand. But it doesn’t feel like we’re too far away from everyone.”
Hamilton heads into the US Grand Prix still seeking his first win of the season.
Rival Max Verstappen however has already wrapped up the Drivers’ World Championship with four races remaining.
