Lewis Hamilton: “Small percentages always appreciated”

Unlike Ferrari which had brought forward the introduction of its engine evolution in Spain, Mercedes has remained faithful to its course of action while waiting for Canada to bring an update to its V6 turbo / hybrid.

Without mentioning a “massive advance”, Lewis Hamilton is obviously delighted to benefit from a new engine block on a track that is always very demanding for the Power Units.

“It’s always good when you have a new engine, and fresh, specifies the world champion. It’s a power circuit so it’s the perfect time. If you look at previous years, this is the race where we always bring our second engine.

This is phase II: so there will be completely new modes. Slight improvements everywhere: it's not a massive advance... It's not like at the start of the hybrid era where we were making great strides, nor even like last year.

These are just small steps. The biggest difference is that it is brand new. The old engine which had done six races was “degrading”. The guys worked so hard. These are small percentages, but they are very appreciated. »

A F1 more “physical”

Asked at a press conference about the future of F1, the Briton also admitted his preferences with regard to the expected regulations and the evolution of the sport. The Mercedes driver does not hide a certain nostalgia on certain points… like the engines.

“People keep saying it’s boring, because there is a period where Ferrari wins for a while, McLaren wins for a while, Mercedes, Red Bull, Hamilton explains.

How to stop this is a point that is certainly part of the regulations, but I think that on a more global scale, other changes need to be made, even outside of the regulations, in my opinion.

I think Ross and his team are thinking about it, hopefully for 2021... If I had the choice, I would go back to V12s, naturally aspirated, with manual gearboxes, which would make things more difficult for the drivers.

You would have to remove these large clearances that you have everywhere, not have any steering assistance or have very light one. You should be physically exhausted after the race...like a marathon.

I could probably do two or three races in a row and Formula 1 shouldn't be like that […] I think it should be the most physical challenge. »