Hamilton: “Ferrari did an incredible job”

Si Mercedes was the most diligent team on the track at the Barcelona tests, it is the Team Ferrari which set the best times on the Catalunya circuit with the SF70H. If the reigning world champion team did not seek to place itself at the forefront, the good performances of its opponents nevertheless sow doubt two weeks before the season opener in Melbourne (Australia).

“The others seem fast and the season promises to be competitive, said Lewis Hamilton, author of the 4th fastest time in practice after completing 467 laps on the Catalunya circuit. Ferrari has done an incredible job. We will still have to expect more from them, but their pace is already spectacular. I do not know if Red Bull brought his best package. They usually do it in the first race, but they have some under their belt anyway and I expect a solid fight with these two teams. »

“I never wanted to dominate. I obviously want a car that should be able to compete for the title, but it would be better for the spectators if several teams were fighting for the title.", assured the three-time world champion.

Lewis Hamilton also had a thought for John Surtees, the 1964 world champion died this Friday March 10.

“It’s sad to end the day with such news. He was a legend in this discipline and he was a lovely person. It's a shock for everyone. My thoughts are with his family”, declared the Briton.

Discover the analysis of the second week of testing F1 in Barcelona in AUTO issue 2105hebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version, and from Wednesday on newsstands.
Jacques-Armand Dupuis