Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration after a challenging start to his home race weekend at Silverstone. The Mercedes driver finished twelfth in the first free practice session and could only manage fifteenth place in the second session.
Hamilton struggled to find a comfortable setup with the car, describing it as difficult to drive. He noted that he couldn’t feel any difference between the different tyre compounds, indicating that something was amiss with the car’s performance.
“The car is difficult to drive,” says Hamilton
Race pace might be better
Despite the difficulties, Hamilton found solace in the team’s race pace, suggesting that they fared better in that aspect. While disappointed with his qualifying performance, he remained positive about their chances in the race.
“The car is difficult to drive,” sighed the British driver after the work was done. “It doesn’t matter how we set it up, it’s always tricky,” added the 103-time GP winner. “On a fast lap I can’t feel any difference between the different tyre compounds…
“That shows something is wrong,” Hamilton said.
“At least we don’t seem to be doing too badly in race trim. At least that’s positive.”
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Lewis Hamilton took a brave line at the start of #F1Sprint 💪#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/L9SECnLAAK
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 3, 2023
2nd Practice, Silverstone
01 Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:28.078 min
02 Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +0.022 sec
03 Alex Albon (T), Williams, +0.218
04 Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +0.264
05 Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +0.688
06 Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +0.788
07 Nico Hulkenberg (D), Haas, +0.802
08 Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +0.811
09 Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +0.848
10 Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +1.056
11 Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Alfa Romeo, +1.147
12 George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +1.160
13 Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1.164
14 Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +1.182
15 Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +1.205
16 Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Alfa Romeo, +1.300
17 Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1.361
18 Yuki Tsunoda (J), AlphaTauri, +1.405
19 Nyck de Vries (NL), AlphaTauri, +1.493
20. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, no time
1st practice, Silverstone
01 Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:28.600 min
02 Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +0.448 sec
03 Alex Albon (T), Williams, +0.489
04 Fernando Alonso (E) , Aston Martin, +0.668
05 Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +0.680
06 Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +0.719
07 Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +0.757
08 Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +0.841
09 Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +0.871
10 Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +1.058
11 Nyck de Vries (NL), AlphaTauri, +1.091
12 Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +1.168
13 Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1.228
14 George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +1.274
15 Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Alfa Romeo, +1.490
16 Yuki Tsunoda (J), AlphaTauri, +1.492
17 Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1.524
18 Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Alfa Romeo, +1.721
19 Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1.785
20 .Nico Hulkenberg (D), Haas, +1,991
Ferrari beckons again?
In the midst of his struggles, rumours continue to swirl about Hamilton’s future in Formula One.
Although negotiations are underway for a contract extension with Mercedes, the possibility of a move to Ferrari remains on the table. Team boss Toto Wolff confirmed that the length of the new deal has been agreed upon, but the finer details are still being discussed.
Hulkenberg: “Lewis complains too much”
Age is not a problem
Hamilton, addressing the crowd at Silverstone, expressed his desire to continue racing for several more years, stating that he feels he has at least another five years in him.
“I’m hoping to be here a lot longer. I feel like I’ve got another five years in me at least, no? Let’s see, let’s see.” claims Hamilton to the crowds at Silverstone.
With Fernando Alonso still competing at the age of 42, age is not a barrier for top drivers in the sport. However, Mercedes appears hesitant to commit to a long-term contract, leaving the door open for a potential future move to Ferrari.
The speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future has been persistent, but it is unlikely that he will part ways with Mercedes at this stage of his career. The team has been his home for the past decade, and they have enjoyed tremendous success together, with Hamilton securing multiple Drivers’ Championships.
As the British Grand Prix approaches, Hamilton’s focus remains on improving the performance of his Mercedes and delivering a strong result in front of his home crowd.
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this is old old news. Sensalist press. Repeating what everyone already KNOW!!!