Lewis Hamilton was “excited” to battle Max Verstappen before the FIA stepped in at a rain-soaked Sepang for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
F1’s return to the Sepang International Circuit last weekend was thrilling for fans and drivers alike.
Just before the start of the 56-lap race, the heavens opened up, leading to treacherous conditions out on track.
But given the wet-weather mastery we have witnessed from the likes of Hamilton and Verstappen, the Ferrari driver was chomping at the bit to get his elbows out on track against the Red Bull driver.
That said, the FIA decided to step in, first delaying the race start, and then aborting the start procedure to curb a ‘software glitch’ that affected many power units on the grid during the formation lap.
Therefore, by the time the race was underway, the track had already started drying up.
“I was looking forward to a wet race when it started raining,” Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week ahead of the Singapore GP.
“I was like, hell yeah, this is going to be fun. And we did the laps of the grid, there was obviously a lot of spray, and then with all the delay and everything like that, ultimately didn’t get to have that battle that I wanted to have with Max, which I was excited about.
“I don’t really have a feeling towards the FIA. I think ultimately they do the best job they can to keep us all safe.”
Lewis Hamilton: Sepang F1 recovery drive was “reminiscent of my young days”
Ferrari had decided to bolt on slick tyres for Hamilton at the start of the race. But that proved to be a costly gamble for the seven-time World Champion.
Despite starting from the front row of the grid, the Briton was forced all the way back as the Intermediate runners established a clear advantage during the opening laps.
But the seven-time F1 World Champion delivered a spirited recovery drive once he caught his bearings again, finishing third at the chequered flag.
Reflecting on his charge right back up the field, Hamilton likened it to his old karting days.
“It was a lot of fun. Honestly, it was reminiscent of my young days as a kid when my first go kart was fifth hand, all bent, and I would start basically at the back of the grid,” he added.
“I would have to drive through the field. It took me a little bit back in that respect.”
Up next for Hamilton and Ferrari is the Marina Bay Street Circuit, a pretty happy hunting ground for the former Mercedes driver.
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen trade notes on Sepang ‘Lego race
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