Lewis Hamilton contests Max Verstappen’s view, claims F1 is now the ‘premier form of racing’
Lewis Hamilton has stated that the new Formula 1 cars have provided “how racing should be” and implied that Max Verstappen’s discontent stems from Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness at present.
The new regulations in F1 have brought about hybrid engines featuring a 50-50 split between combustion and electric power, with a significant focus on battery management and power boost usage.
Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc engaged in an exciting, wheel-to-wheel duel at the Chinese Grand Prix, although not all observers have been impressed.
Commenting on the intense battles seen in F1 thus far, Verstappen remarked after the Shanghai race: “It’s terrible; if someone enjoys this, then they really don’t understand what racing is about. It’s not enjoyable at all. It’s like playing Mario Kart. This isn’t racing. You boost past, then you deplete your battery on the next straight, and they boost past you again. To me, it’s just a joke.”
Following the race in China, where he achieved his first grand prix podium with Ferrari, Hamilton noted that it was the best racing he could recall.
The seven-time world champion continued to commend the new cars in anticipation of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
“If you think back to karting, it’s similar,” Hamilton said regarding the new style of racing. “Drivers are going back and forth, back and forth. No one has ever referred to go-karting as yo-yo racing.”
“It’s the finest form of racing, and Formula 1 hasn’t been the best form of racing for a long time. Previously, it was difficult to follow. Finally, we have a car, out of all the cars I’ve driven in 20 years, that allows you to follow through high-speed sections without losing everything, enabling you to stay close.”
“We had DRS before, which I believe was somewhat of a temporary fix for the issue of not being able to get close enough to the corners. Now we have a power difference, but it’s minimal each lap. However, when you get ahead, the cars behind can keep pace with you.”
“I personally find it much more enjoyable, as it’s the most overtaking and best battle I’ve experienced since perhaps Bahrain years ago with Nico [Rosberg]. That’s how racing should be; it should be back and forth. So I personally appreciate that style of racing.”
“We just need the other teams to catch up so we can have more of those battles among us, that’s all.”
Verstappen’s notable criticisms of the car have become a significant topic of discussion this season.
The Dutch driver is not alone in his dissatisfaction; reigning world champion Lando Norris and two-time champion Fernando Alonso have also expressed their concerns.
Verstappen secured four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2021 to 2024, with Red Bull winning the constructors’ championship three times, but the team has started the new regulation cycle behind the pace of Mercedes and Hamilton’s Ferrari team.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has previously indicated that Verstappen’s criticisms arise from the “horror show” the four-time champion is facing this year.
Hamilton suggested a similar viewpoint.
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When asked why he believes he could enjoy the cars so much while another accomplished driver like Verstappen could dislike them, he responded: “I don’t need to use the word love. I’m simply stating that I’m enjoying racing. Naturally, when you have a good car and you’re competitive, it’s pleasant to be at the front.”
“[Max] has had that for the last four or five years. It’s been relatively smooth for him. This is the first year, but I can’t explain that.”
“He’s not finding it as enjoyable. It’s certainly quite different. I think many drivers are not enjoying it, but I can’t say for sure. I’m just personally enjoying it. It’s a lighter car. They’re more agile.”
“They are more enjoyable to drive. Do I love the power deployment? Absolutely not. Do I love the [active aerodynamics]? Not particularly, but overall I think it’s exciting for the sport at a time when it is thriving.”
“Visually and in terms of branding, it has the highest revenue it has ever seen. The F1 movie has performed exceptionally well, even winning an Oscar. It’s a great time where many people are watching, and we are actually having some battles instead of just observing cars going around the track each time.”
“Everyone will have an opinion whenever a car changes. Some may dislike it; you can’t satisfy everyone. If our car suddenly becomes a nightmare to drive, it might not be as enjoyable, but the reality is we’re having a good fight with the opportunity to contend for wins. That’s always part of it.”
Source: espn.com
