Hamilton optimistic about new chassis

Lewis Hamilton is hopeful his new Mercedes chassis will solve his recent problems after admitting the car felt better in practice for the United States Grand Prix.

The Briton is using a new chassis this weekend after his team found what Hamilton described as a hole in the car he had used during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton admitted recently he was mystified by his lack of form in the latter part of the season.

The Mercedes driver said the new chassis felt better after posting the fourth quickest time in second practice.

"On the long runs it did [feel better], so I'm hoping that when the car is heavy with fuel in it, I would like to think it will be as good as it is now," said Hamilton. "So fingers crossed it will be better this weekend."

Hamilton, however, admitted he remains unsure if the reason for his struggles was the broken chassis.

"I have no idea. It doesn't matter, it's in the past. I'm looking forward," he said. "We have two races to go. It's difficult to pinpoint what it was. Sure the crack didn't help. It wasn't a crack, it was a hole."