Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton surprised the Formula 1 community by asserting that the newly introduced F1 cars feel slower than the Formula 2 vehicles he recently tested. Speaking after a session at the Bahrain International Circuit, Hamilton explained that despite the recent upgrades, these new machines lack the outright speed many expected, raising concerns about current F1 car performance.
Driving Experience of New Ground Effect Cars
Hamilton described the latest cars as more enjoyable to drive than their predecessors, highlighting their lighter and more responsive nature.
“The car is shorter, it’s lighter, and it’s actually easier to catch,”
Hamilton noted, comparing the sensation to rally driving. However, even with this increased agility, he emphasized that the overall speed and track pace still fall short compared to previous generations.
Performance Differences Highlighted by Timing Comparisons
The British driver pointed out that while the pole time in F2 last season was recorded at 1:44.08, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen posted a best lap of 1:35.433 this season in the new F1 car, illustrating a clear speed gap. Despite this, Hamilton remarked,
“It does feel like we’re slower than GP2 [F2], right now,”
underscoring his perception of the cars’ underwhelming velocity during the Bahrain testing.
Impact of Track Conditions on Car Balance and Speed
Weather conditions at the Bahrain International Circuit presented additional challenges, with Hamilton explaining that balancing the cars was complicated by gusty winds and high temperatures.
“Barcelona didn’t feel too bad, but here [in Bahrain], it’s been very gusty and a lot hotter, making it much harder to find the right balance. So I think everyone’s struggling,”
Hamilton said. These factors contributed to the difficulty of extracting maximum performance from the cars during testing.
Driver Adaptation and Ongoing Development Needs
When asked if the new cars suited his driving style better than earlier models, Hamilton responded cautiously.
“It doesn’t feel anything like the genre before, and it’s really just far too early days,”
he explained. He further emphasized that the teams had yet to optimize critical areas such as tires and aerodynamics, stating,
“Haven’t optimized the tyres, haven’t optimized the aero package yet.”
This highlights the extensive work still needed before the cars reach their full competitive potential.
Season Outlook and Hamilton’s Role Moving Forward
Entering the season at 41 years old, Hamilton’s observations carry significant weight among fans and competitors. His insights will play a crucial role as teams navigate the transition to new regulations and car designs. With uncertainties surrounding the true pace of this new generation of F1 vehicles, the upcoming races will be closely monitored to see whether these changes improve racing or introduce further challenges for drivers like Hamilton.
“a more fun car to drive” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
“It does feel like we’re slower than GP2 [F2], right now.” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
“The car is shorter, it’s lighter, and it’s actually easier to catch,” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
“Barcelona didn’t feel too bad, but here [in Bahrain], it’s been very gusty and a lot hotter, making it much harder to find the right balance. So I think everyone’s struggling.” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
“It doesn’t feel anything like the genre before, and it’s really just far too early days.” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
“Haven’t optimized the tyres, haven’t optimized the aero package yet,” ?Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
