British driver Lewis Hamilton feels invigorated for the new Formula 1 season after experiencing the disappointment of losing the title to Max Verstappen on the last lap of the final race last year.
Hamilton, Verstappen and the other F1 drivers began winter testing in Barcelona on Wednesday. This gave them a first impression of the new cars, following major rule changes intended to make the championship more competitive.
Hamilton (Mercedes) set the fifth fastest time of the day. Verstappen (Red Bull) finished ninth.
It was the Briton Lando Norris, driving his McLaren, who set the fastest time in 1 min 19 s 568/1000and. A good start for the 6and of the 2021 championship.
Behind him, the Ferraris were also there, feeding the hopes of the Italian tifosi. Monegasque Charles Leclerc signed on 2and time (1 min 20 s 165/1000and), followed by his teammate Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr.
“I feel fresher and more refreshed than ever,” Hamilton said. Of course, there are so many different ways to refocus, and I would say that this [pause] was one of the healthiest I have ever experienced. »
He mentioned refueling by spending time with his loved ones, in what he called “the best time spent with my family.”
“It was definitely about being more in the moment, and creating memories,” said Hamilton, 37. I know that sometimes in life we get so caught up in certain things like work that we forget to do it. So it was good family time. »
I think it’s one of the most exciting and interesting seasons I’ve ever undertaken.
Hamilton, seven-time world champion, is entering his sixteenth season in F1. He was just one lap away from breaking a tie with Michael Schumacher for the most titles at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the end of last season when an accident led to the crash of the car. safety and allowed Verstappen to pass him on the last lap on fresher tyres.
Hamilton didn’t show up for the mandatory post-race press conference, nor did he go to the end-of-season gala. He only made one public appearance a few days after the race, when he received his knighthood at Windsor Castle.
New regulations
Back in the Barcelona paddock on Wednesday, Hamilton said he was once again fully motivated.
“Looking at all the different cars in the pit lane, I think it’s been one of the most exciting and interesting seasons I’ve ever had,” Hamilton said. It will be interesting to see where everyone is and where we are in the first race. »
F1 has carried out a major overhaul of its regulations to try to improve racing and make the series more competitive, with new aero and tire requirements which will hopefully allow drivers to drive more close to each other and to do more overtaking.
“I’ve seen the design of our car over the months, but now seeing everyone’s car, you’re trying to see what’s different up close,” Hamilton said. So I think it’s been the most exciting year, and again, we have absolutely no idea where we stand. »
There will be two more days of testing in Barcelona, Thursday and Friday. Three other sessions are scheduled between March 10 and 12 in Bahrain before the season opener on March 20.
With Agence France-Presse