Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton appeared dejected after the Spanish Grand Prix, which he described as his “worst race” ever. Despite making key gains in the opening laps, a slow pit stop and challenges with his Ferrari SF-25 Formula One car led him to finish the race in P6.
Hamilton started the race in P5, while his teammate Charles Leclerc, who started seventh on the grid, secured a podium finish in third. Mid-race, the Briton was heard complaining on the radio about the lack of rear grip on his car, and running on used tires in the final stage of the race made matters worse.
The 44-year-old driver hasn’t had what one would call a smooth start to his F1 journey with Ferrari, and the post-race interview in Barcelona highlighted the gravity of the situation. When asked by the media if the final stint on used tires put him in a helpless situation, Hamilton said:
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“Everyone was on the same tires.”
When asked about his car’s pace, he refrained from saying anything. Regarding questions about the lack of rear grip and if that bothered him until the end of the race, Hamilton said:
“For half of the race.”
When he was asked if the second stint was better, or if other drivers were managing it better, he said:
“I have no idea why you’d say that.”
“That was the worst race I’ve experienced,” he added. “Ever.”
Hamilton went on to admit that there were “zero” positives to take from the weekend.
The former Mercedes driver preferred to remain silent when asked if he was going to work with his team on the simulator and if he was hopeful about the upcoming Grand Prix in Canada.
Hamilton decided to end the questions after he was asked how he could build on the situation, considering the marginal progress at Imola and Monaco. He said:
“I’m going to head off, guys.”
He later told Sky Sports F1, “I’ve just had a terrible day. I don’t know what to say.”
Hamilton’s concerns were heard over the team radio after he had crossed the chequered flag. Speaking to his race engineer Riccardo Adami, he said:
“I believe we’ve got something wrong with this car, mate. It’s the worst it’s ever been.”
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