Lewis' poor Japan showing explained

[John S]

No he wasn't tweeting during race, car suffered suspension problem.        
 Wonder what the explanation will be for his dismal P2 showing in Korea?    

McLaren have revealed that Lewis Hamilton's set-up woes in Japan weren't the only reason for his poorer pace, which saw him struggle throughout qualifying.
 
A post-race investigation found an issue with part of his suspension which is likely the cause of his understeer and balance problems.
 
Hamilton admitted the explanation was comforting news.
 
"I know my car very well, so it's very rare that I get it [the set-up] wrong. And if I do it's only a little bit and I can still manage it.
 
"But this was the worst it has ever been set up, and I was really shocked that I had done that.
 
"I hoped it wasn't my fault, but fortunately the guys did a lot of analysis after the race and found our that we had a failure on part of the rear suspension, so that's comforting."
 
Describing the problem in more detail, he added: "It's not a suspension failure, because I could still drive with it.
 
"There was just a part that helps the balance and when you set it up it should react in one way but it didn't do that.
 
"I'm happy that we found something, so it won't be a problem for this weekend."

by Ryan Wood, TheF1times.com, Thurs 11th Oct.

[F1fanaticBD]

It was written all over the race, having such a great pace, all through the FP and Q1 and Q2, it was shocking that Lewis has that kind of a race.

But my conspiracy theorist mind keep telling me that this a damage control measurement by Mclaren to make sure to the sponsors that they still have the helm of the driver, who is leaving next season, and the team co-ordination is in harmony, with no downfall of relation between team and driver.

[rmassart]

After McLaren's woes in Korea, Hamilton's move to Mercedes is looking "not quite so stupid" anymore. Whilst Mercedes don't appear to be any better, I think McLaren have struggled now for 3 or 4 years to provide a car that is fast and consistent enough to challenge for the title. I know they've been "there abouts", but never in a truly convincing manner. Like say when Hakkinen was double champion. Or earlier with Senna and Prost.

I can see McLaren slowly but surely going the way of Williams unless they can turn things around in the next two or three years.

And now with Vettel heading to Ferrari, perhaps Hamilton will end up in a Red Bull?

[Scott]

Williams problem was more financial than engineering.  Mclaren's seems to be the exact opposite.  Wasn't that Lewis' second suspension problem this year?  

I still don't think Hamilton's move to Mercedes was very wise, at least not if he really wants another championship before he is all dried up in the sport, but Mclaren needs to find a way to sort out their technical problems if they want to get anywhere near RBR and to confidently beat Ferrari.  They seem to have the aero worked out, but have had too many tech problems lately between gearboxes, electrical and suspension.

Button's problem was in qualifying, but he acknowledged that himself.  He shouldn't have been anywhere near the midfield in the first corner.  At that point it's almost a coin flip if you make it through without having to go change a wing or a tire.