Lewis Hamilton was less-than-complimentary about Formula 1‘s current cars after qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, dubbing them “one of my least favourites” of all those he has driven before around the principality.
The seven-time World Champion was left somewhat deflated after a thrilling qualifying session around the notorious street circuit, ending up third, when it looked briefly as if he had pole position in the bag.
Alas, Max Verstappen popped up with a better time, before both men were blitzed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose superb lap secured pole for Sunday’s race.
Nevertheless, the fast-starting Ferrari has half a chance to capitalise at lights-out, with teammate Charles Leclerc alongside Hamilton in fourth.
Hamilton has been more positive about the new regulations and cars than many other drivers, but after qualifying, he issued a more negative viewpoint, specifically when it came to driving it around the Monaco circuit.
“I think probably one of my least favourites of all the generations I’ve driven around here,” he told media, including Motorsport Week. “Just the super light downforce.
“It really is like a step down of generation of car, grip-wise. Our pressures are super high. Even though we have a hundred points or so less downforce this year, we have much higher [pressures].
“Back in the days, we used to run like 16 psi and now we’re up at 28 or 26 or something crazy. Maybe here it’s like 24, so very high.
“Ultimate mechanical grip is not what it used to be. I remember when I was here in 2007, 2008, there was so much more grip. It was even more fun back then. But it wasn’t terrible [today].
“I still had fun, but comparing all the generations, maybe 2020 was probably the best period for us, grip-wise.”
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