Lewis Hamilton

2022 - 4 - 10

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Hamilton must charm his venomous car to save Mercedes' F1 season (The Guardian)

A car that 'is like a viper' once again struggled in Melbourne and may have already cost Hamilton any hope of an eighth F1 title.

Australia is race three of the season in what is looking like a straight fight between Ferrari and Red Bull with Leclerc and Verstappen at the sharp end. With two races down Hamilton is used to the experience but was illuminatingly descriptive of what this meant in the cockpit. “I’m optimistic that eventually we will get there, whether it is two races or five, or the season,” he said. “The problem is when you push that car a little bit more she is quite spiteful,” he said. This was a small victory then but its context is what really matters for the bigger picture of the season ahead. The race in Melbourne will likely mean a continuation of the fascinating fight between the frontrunners, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who took pole and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who was just behind him.

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Lewis Hamilton likens driving 'spiteful' Mercedes car to taming a ... (ESPN Australia)

Despite qualifying fifth in Australia, Lewis Hamilton is still struggling to tame a car he has likened to a rattlesnake.

So it's tricky to find the right compromise." I've been trying all sorts of things to be on the limit of the bouncing and then it's costing me a lot of speed through the high-speed corners, that's where I lose all my laptime. "The biggest thing for me at the moment is still the bouncing.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'No progress': Mercedes 'gremlins' exposed as grim championship ... (Fox Sports)

Lewis Hamilton has lamented a lack of progress with his Mercedes car this season as the team slumped deeper into the midfield. Hamilton had his run of pole ...

“I think we are on the back foot,” Wolff said. “But this is motor racing and in motor racing anything can happen. That is something that we need to continue to analyse and look at the data. “Maybe it’s even the case that as you increase the downforce, the worse the bouncing gets. “There are many other little improvements we can make on weight and other things we can optimise, and we just need to chip away the small gains while understanding the car. “There is a gremlin in our car — or a few gremlins — that we haven’t found yet.

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Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Australian GP: Lewis Hamilton wrestles 'viper' Mercedes back into ... (Sky Sports)

Lewis Hamilton hailed fifth place in Australian GP qualifying as a positive step for Mercedes and their W13 car, which he compared to a "viper" and a ...

6) George Russell, Mercedes 5) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes "That is what we tried to do.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Express"

Lewis Hamilton 'specifically targeted' by new FIA rule and could be ... (Daily Express)

LEWIS HAMILTON could be targeted by FIA bosses on the Australian Grand Prix grid tomorrow.

Go up to Lewis Hamiton, someone is going to check if he has his nose piercing in or if he has his earrings in. So it did seem to be on the face of it, a measure, or wanting to enforce a rule specifically targeted at Lewis Hamilton who of course has ear piercings and a nose piercing. “I asked the FIA this and they said no absolutely not.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

Kravitz: Hamilton 'specifically targeted' by jewellery (PlanetF1)

Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz believes that the FIA's jewellery clampdown at the Australian GP is aimed at Lewis Hamilton.

What is this about? Go up to Lewis Hamilton, someone is going to check if he has his nose piercing in or if he has his earrings in. “I asked the FIA this and they said no absolutely not,” said Kravitz when he asked if the rule clampdown is aimed at Hamilton.

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Image courtesy of "Irvine Times"

Lewis Hamilton 'uncomfortable' as FIA members fail to wear masks ... (Irvine Times)

F1's new race director Niels Wittich chaired a two-hour meeting at Melbourne's Albert Park on Friday night.

Hamilton, speaking after he qualified fifth for the third round of the new season, said: “No one in the drivers’ briefing were wearing masks. “I wish I could be optimistic and say we have got something better coming, but at the moment we don’t. “It was the longest drivers’ briefing of my life.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Australian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton was 'uncomfortable' after FIA ... (Daily Mail)

F1's new race director Niels Wittich chaired a two-hour meeting at Melbourne's Albert Park on Friday night where he announced a clampdown on jewellery and ...

Hamilton, speaking after he qualified fifth for the third round of the new season, said: 'No one in the drivers' briefing were wearing masks. Lewis Hamilton admits he was 'uncomfortable' after F1 chiefs chose not to wear face masks at an Australian Grand Prix briefing... - Under local law, it is not mandatory to wear a face mask in an enclosed space

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Image courtesy of "GPfans"

Hamilton fires broadside at FIA over underpants furore (GPfans)

Lewis Hamilton has heavily criticised the FIA following what he has described as 'the longest drivers' briefing of his life' during which he was left...

It was the first time I've had that brought up in a drivers' briefing. Asked to reflect on what unfolded, a flabbergasted Hamilton said: "It was the longest drivers' briefing of my life. "Some of the drivers were, but most of the FIA weren’t, which for me was uncomfortable."

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Lewis Hamilton moans at Mercedes strategy after losing to George ... (Daily Express)

LEWIS HAMILTON was unable to challenge Mercedes team-mate George Russell for a podium at the Australian Grand Prix.

It's not clear whether Hamilton was given team orders to not fight with Russell on the track. Sergio Perez was stuck between Hamilton and Russell for the first stage of the race before the Red Bull driver eventually regained his third place. Lewis Hamilton was clearly frustrated towards the end of the Australian Grand Prix at being stuck behind George Russell in a battle for third.

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Lewis Hamilton clarifies angry radio message to Mercedes on ... (Daily Express)

LEWIS HAMILTON finished fourth in the Australian Grand Prix as Mercedes benefited from more retirements.

We are never going to give up, we were a long way behind and yet here we are, on the podium. After the race, he fired a warning to Red Bull and Ferrari that the Silver Arrows would not give up until they were back at the front. The German manufacturer continually improved throughout Saturday and Sunday to close the gap to the teams in front.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

Hamilton clarifies 'difficult position' radio message (PlanetF1)

Lewis Hamilton explained what he meant when he accused Mercedes of putting him in a difficult position during the Australian GP.

“This weekend we’ve had so many difficult moments with the car and so to get ourselves fifth and sixth in qualifying, to progress like we have and to have the reliability, and we definitely didn’t expect to have a third, fourth. “I got to see a bit of the battle at the end, racing Perez, and I wish I could have been in it,” said Hamilton. Hamilton was not able to close in enough though and he would take to the radio, bluntly telling his Mercedes team that “you guys put me in a really difficult position.”

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Lewis Hamilton hails third and fourth as a 'great result' for Mercedes ... (Daily Mail)

But the seven-time world champion could not hide his frustration at his ongoing car troubles and revealed engine issues prevented him from taking on the ...

'Well I couldn't fight for third because the engine was overheating,' Hamilton revealed. but reveals frustration that he 'couldn't fight' because his engine overheated as car woes continue Lewis Hamilton hails third and fourth as a 'great result' for Mercedes at Australian Grand Prix and praises team-mate George Russell for his podium...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Lewis Hamilton says 'difficult position' radio messages was not ... (ESPN Australia)

Lewis Hamilton has explained what he meant when he told Mercedes they had put him "in a difficult position" while running behind teammate George Russell at ...

From my side, I let the team down in the last race and didn't get the points but to come away with this result, is great. This one was not accompanied by any of the preceding conversations Hamilton had with the Mercedes pit wall. I was up in third and it felt great to be fighting, or to feel like we're fighting for a podium in that moment.

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Image courtesy of "Barrhead News"

Lewis Hamilton demands improvements from Mercedes in bid to ... (Barrhead News)

The seven-time world champion departs Australia 43 points behind Charles Leclerc following the Ferrari driver's one-sided victory in Melbourne.

Not to finish is pretty frustrating and unacceptable. “It is more important to finish races. Norris took fifth in his improved McLaren ahead of team-mate and home favourite Daniel Ricciardo. The gap is pretty big right now but there is a long way to go.” “It is a strange feeling for me because we have such high expectations. Russell, who started sixth, also beat Norris to the opening bend.

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Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Australian GP: Lewis Hamilton praises George Russell and clarifies ... (Sky Sports)

Lewis Hamilton hailed George Russell's performance and Mercedes' result as "amazing" at the Australian GP as the world champions salvaged third and fourth ...

But I'm really really hoping we can get in the fight soon. "Will that be the case with this new car? "There are 20 races to go," he said. "We've got to be proud with the job we've done so far, with the lack of performance we have, and we believe we can get there, but it's not going to happen overnight and it's going to be a couple of races to close the gap." He's doing an amazing job. He's done an amazing job today, he had great pace.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Lewis Hamilton greets Australian fans with a wave at the Melbourne ... (Daily Mail)

Lewis Hamilton, 37, sent fans wild as he arrived at the F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.

Ready for the big race: The seven-time world champion put on a smile for the cameras as he waved to the crowd not knowing what was, unfortunately, going to come Before the parade, he was spotted arriving in the paddock prior to the game in a causal beige co-ord teamed with a pair of sunglasses and a protective mask. The seven-time world champion put on a smile for the cameras as he waved to the crowd ahead of his latest race.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Express"

Lewis Hamilton 'defies order' from FIA after Mercedes star ... (Daily Express)

LEWIS HAMILTON has defied an FIA rule crackdown on the grid of the Australian Grand Prix.

"We don’t know what’s going to happen with the piercings tomorrow because they said they would check it before the race. Lewis Hamiton not doing anything about that, it seems like he is going to defy that order from the new race director. I asked the FIA this and they said no absolutely not.”

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Image courtesy of "Mirror.co.uk"

Lewis Hamilton would have to "chop off" his ear to comply with ... (Mirror.co.uk)

Hamilton is unimpressed by race director Niels Wittich's decision to prioritise a rule which has been around since 2004, but has been largely ignored by ...

But new race director Niels Wittich has decided the rule must now be prioritised and told that to Hamilton and his rivals in a meeting ahead of the Melbourne race, which was won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. I feel there are personal things and you should be able to be who you are. He explained: “And there is stuff that I can’t move.

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Image courtesy of "centralfifetimes.com"

Lewis Hamilton demands improvements from Mercedes in bid to ... (centralfifetimes.com)

The seven-time world champion departs Australia 43 points behind Charles Leclerc following the Ferrari driver's one-sided victory in Melbourne.

Not to finish is pretty frustrating and unacceptable. “It is more important to finish races. Norris took fifth in his improved McLaren ahead of team-mate and home favourite Daniel Ricciardo. The gap is pretty big right now but there is a long way to go.” “It is a strange feeling for me because we have such high expectations. Russell, who started sixth, also beat Norris to the opening bend.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Lewis Hamilton reveals he has NO plans to remove jewellery amid ... (Daily Mail)

In a show of defiance, Lewis Hamilton competed at Sunday's Australian Grand Prix with piercings in both ears and a nose stud, despite F1 chiefs' attempts to ...

These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get it chopped off. 'I literally cannot even take these out. Lewis Hamilton reveals he has NO plans to remove jewellery and says F1 chiefs will have to CHOP OFF his right ear with piercings 'welded in'... as sport's rulers crackdown on drivers racing in jewellery

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Lewis Hamilton says 'difficult position' radio messages was not ... (ESPN)

Lewis Hamilton has explained what he meant when he told Mercedes they had put him "in a difficult position" while running behind teammate George Russell at ...

From my side, I let the team down in the last race and didn't get the points but to come away with this result, is great. This one was not accompanied by any of the preceding conversations Hamilton had with the Mercedes pit wall. I was up in third and it felt great to be fighting, or to feel like we're fighting for a podium in that moment.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'We need it now': Lewis Hamilton urges Mercedes to make vast ... (The Guardian)

The seven-time world champion finished fourth at the Australian Grand Prix, with Mercedes' car continuing to lag behind Ferrari and Red Bull.

“I couldn’t race for position because the car was overheating so I had to back off,” he said when asked about the comment. It is about making sure we leave no stone unturned, that the hunger is there and we are maximising every moment. Hamilton now trails Leclerc by 43 points after three races, an enormous deficit to make up and one that cannot be addressed unless Mercedes solve their car’s aerodynamic jarring.

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Lewis Hamilton explains 'difficult position' radio message after ... (Formula 1 RSS UK)

Lewis Hamilton was full of praise for his team after Mercedes bagged something of a surprising P3 and P4 finish in Australia – and explained a late radio ...

“I couldn’t fight for third because the engine was overheating so I had to back off,” he said. “It was a great team result. I was a bit unfortunate with the Safety Car, but I think we did a great job today; considering the pace deficit that we had to the guys up ahead, I think we did a good job.”

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Image courtesy of "Irvine Times"

Lewis Hamilton demands improvements from Mercedes in bid to ... (Irvine Times)

The seven-time world champion departs Australia 43 points behind Charles Leclerc following the Ferrari driver's one-sided victory in Melbourne.

Not to finish is pretty frustrating and unacceptable. “It is more important to finish races. Norris took fifth in his improved McLaren ahead of team-mate and home favourite Daniel Ricciardo. The gap is pretty big right now but there is a long way to go.” “It is a strange feeling for me because we have such high expectations. Russell, who started sixth, also beat Norris to the opening bend.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Express"

Lewis Hamilton jokes he may chop off his ear as Mercedes driver in ... (Daily Express)

LEWIS HAMILTON is embroiled in a bizarre jewellery row with the FIA.

However, the seven-times world champion has quipped that he would need to cut off his right ear because one stud is welded into his skin. Lewis Hamilton has joked that he would need to cut off his right ear to follow FIA rules on jewellery. We were stronger than what we thought so it was a good surprise,” Leclerc told Sky Sports. "Obviously last year was a very difficult year for us but this year we have managed, well actually the team has managed because I only give feedback of what I want from the car.” Hamilton has earrings in both ears. And I will continue to do that. Lewis Hamilton jokes he may chop off his ear as Mercedes driver in jewellery row with FIA

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

'I would have to get my ear chopped off' - Lewis Hamilton defies F1 ... (The Independent)

Hamilton competed at the Australian Grand Prix with piercings in both ears and a nose stud.

These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get it chopped off. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. “I literally cannot even take these out.

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Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Australian GP: Lewis Hamilton praises George Russell and clarifies ... (Sky Sports)

Lewis Hamilton hailed George Russell's performance and Mercedes' result as "amazing" at the Australian GP as the world champions salvaged third and fourth ...

But I'm really really hoping we can get in the fight soon. "Will that be the case with this new car? "There are 20 races to go," he said. "We've got to be proud with the job we've done so far, with the lack of performance we have, and we believe we can get there, but it's not going to happen overnight and it's going to be a couple of races to close the gap." He's doing an amazing job. He's done an amazing job today, he had great pace.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

We need more speed NOW, warns Lewis Hamilton after finishing ... (Daily Mail)

JONATHAN MCEVOY IN MELBOURNE: It was an all-encompassing cry of frustration from Lewis Hamilton's cockpit. 'You guys put me in a really difficult position,' ...

He qualified ninth, slipped back five places off the line, and then lost control on the second lap to find himself beached in the gravel. So he came in to be re-booted before holding off Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu to take the last, single point. I am hoping we can get in the fight, but with every bit of improvement we make so will Red Bull and Ferrari improve. If you want to fight for the title, these things cannot happen.’ ‘There is performance to be gained in all areas and we need it now, not in two or three races. There are 20 races to go and if you think realistically about the way our sport goes in terms of development, the top teams progress at a similar rate. Russell also started well, gaining a place from sixth on the grid. ‘It is about making sure we leave no stone unturned, that the hunger is there and we are maximising every moment. I will be going on the simulator.’ Neither erred, even if Russell only passed his senior team-mate of 13 years in a fortuitously timed safety car deployed for Sebastian Vettel’s latest contribution to Aston Martin’s repair bill. Certainly, ongoing frustration at the Silver Arrows’ blunted performance was a major stimulus. ‘I will be making a lot of calls,’ he said.

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Image courtesy of "The Age"

'Just not that fast': Mercedes in a battle to find speed (The Age)

Kevin Magnussen called it as he saw it. The Danish driver for the Haas Formula One team was reflecting on his ninth-place result in last month's Saudi ...

“First one is more confidence … I got this opportunity and we could have won the race if we didn’t have this unfortunate event of getting a puncture. The dynamic with Russell – both as Mercedes gets on top of its recalcitrant car and if it becomes a front-runner once again – promises to be one of the more interesting sub-plots of the season. “There’s nothing that’s going to really put us in the fight with those guys. We need to bring the upgrades when we have total faith and confidence they can do what we expect. But while Albert Park has been one of Mercedes’ happiest hunting grounds over the past decade, getting back within touching distance of the fight at the front – let alone winning it – appears a pipedream this weekend. The last lap of that race – when Perez’s car ground to a halt – is the only one Hamilton has spent inside the top three all season. “Porpoising” is the F1 buzzword of 2022, and Mercedes’ Achilles’ heel. I got a taste of it … psychologically, it was so important.” While they promised change, few would have believed it possible that Magnussen, driving for the team that finished last in 2021 and didn’t score a single point, could dismissively beat the dominant force of the recent past on pure merit. After he finished 73 seconds behind Verstappen in Saudi Arabia in 10th, Hamilton despondently asked engineer Pete Bonnington “is there even a point for that position?” when he crossed the line, having not finished 10th since 2012. “There are deficits everywhere,” the Austrian said. It’s a six-word sentence that has barely been uttered since 2014, when Mercedes used F1’s shift to 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid engines as a springboard to unleash an unprecedented era of dominance over the sport.

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Charles Leclerc asks Ferrari to fix 'problem' despite Lewis Hamilton's ... (Daily Express)

CHARLES LECLERC has spoken out on Ferrari's porpoising problems after Lewis Hamilton admitted he wishes Mercedes were in the same situation.

He said: "I couldn't fight for third because the engine was overheating so I had to back off. Yeah, that's the goal right now – while we still have these problems, it's just maximise our points and that's what we've done today." But everything went well, it was just not so comfortable to do 58 laps like this." I couldn't have gone faster if I didn't have the bouncing. The Monegasque, now a four-time Grand Prix winner, said in Australia after Hamilton's comments: "I don't know why, but I am not very sensitive to it. We can't get rid of it at the moment."

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