French Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton's surprise at lack of pace and familiar battle in store
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes acknowledged they were surprised to be so far off the pace at the French Grand Prix and are at a loss to explain why.
But Hamilton added: "For whatever reason, we seem to be a lot further off this weekend, but the whole pack is. The two top teams are in their own league, really." And he said it had knocked his confidence that he could compete at the front in the near future. F1 next goes to the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend, a track where Hamilton has had considerable success over the years.
"We can't figure out what went wrong. We experimented with rear wings, almost the biggest we have - Lewis described as driving parachute behind him this morning - to a smaller version which makes us lose too much speed in the corners. Then we experimented with tyre temperatures. And Red Bull may have an extra edge - their car is much faster on the straights than the Ferrari, which has an advantage in the corners.
There are two issues - porpoising, an aerodynamic phenomenon that leads to high-frequency vertical oscillation on the straights; and bouncing, which is caused by the low stiff ride. The FIA has been able to bypass the usual governance process that would require an 80% majority of teams to agree to such a rule change by saying it is needed on safety grounds, which allows it to impose changes whenever it wants.
"We've got some of the most talented engineers in the world in this sport, and I can almost guarantee you, if we come back next year, there would probably be no cars with issues." Wolff, who has a fractious relationship with Horner, also said it was "not worth spending the time" responding to the accusations of lobbying."There is an inherent issue on the cars that we are not seeing here or in Austria or Silverstone because the tracks are the flattest of the year," Wolff said. "But it didn't go away. The cars are way too stiff and if you ask the drivers anonymously you would probably have a majority will say that.
Chief engineer Andrew Shovlin added: "There have been a few notable accidents this year where the car bottoming on the plank was part of that - a driver loses control, goes over a kerb, and it's been the car hitting the ground that's actually caused them to land in the barrier at speed.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes still 'lacking everywhere' despite upgradesLewis Hamilton has said the W13 is still lacking 'everywhere' despite Mercedes bringing two upgrades to the French Grand Prix.
Read more »
Lewis Hamilton Named His Toughest Ever Opponent🗣️ 'There was pressure going up against him. In terms of pure pace I would say he was the best.' Lewis Hamilton snubbed Max Verstappen despite the Red Bull driver beating him to the world drivers' championship last season 👀
Read more »
Latitude Festival: Lewis Capaldi says he's 'too lazy' for new album'I just want to say now, I have no new music,' says the star as he headlines the Latitude Festival.
Read more »
Toto Wolff says Mercedes' performance was 'not good enough' at Paul RicardMercedes team boss Toto Wolff has bluntly conceded after qualifying for the French GP that the Silver Arrows are not performing well enough.
Read more »
Watford shoppers give views on PM raceShoppers in Watford High Street gave their views on Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, and the “slap in the face” Conservative Party leadership contest.
Read more »
Real Housewives of Dubai drama as 'rudest wedding guest ever' turns up in bridal look'That has to be the biggest slap in the face any guest can do to a bride.'
Read more »