Hamilton pragmatic: “A slight gap with Ferrari on the courses and long stints”

The leader of the general classification almost fell asleep during FP1 before driving more in the afternoon, while remaining slightly behind the Ferraris.

Published on 31/08/2018 à 20:11

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Hamilton pragmatic: “A slight gap with Ferrari on races and long stints”

Technically unemployed, or almost! Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) experienced half a day of testing on the Monza circuit (Italy) on Friday, due to torrential rain having flooded the Milan area shortly before the first session.

The Briton only completed six laps during the hour and a half of testing and achieved an anecdotal 11th time. “It was less busy than usual, he admits. It was like having a day at the office but without much work to do, I even dozed off in my cockpit at one point! »

Full throttle in Monza #ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/DsoIH0VLTD

- Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) August 31, 2018

Fortunately for the four-time world champion, the afternoon would allow him to accumulate laps with his W09, 31 to be exact. “I was able to see that, as at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), we had a slight gap with the Ferrari on courses and long relays. »

Lewis Hamilton notably conceded almost three tenths on his direct rival Sebastian Vettel. “Every department on the team will get to work tonight, because there are certain areas where we have already seen deficits. I hope we will be able to take a step forward for qualifying. »

The leader of the general classification (for 17 points) feels that “the battle has been intense for a number of Grands Prix, and (than) Ferrari has had a slight advantage since mid-summer. But we are working as hard as possible to catch up. » In 2017, Lewis Hamilton managed to achieve pole position in the “Temple of Speed”.