Lewis Hamilton says he can take a “zero” positive after finishing sixth in the F1 Spanish Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion targeted the podium for Ferrari’s first Grand Prix in Barcelona after securing his best qualifying results in fifth place on the grid, but he endured a disappointing afternoon.
Hamilton began to struggle with pace as he ran into fourth after first moving ahead with Mercedes’ George Russell, and was ordered to trade positions with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton was sixth during the safety car reboot, but returned from his rival and was overtaken by Sauber’s Nico Halkenberg in the closure stage, further exacerbating the even more disastrous Spanish Grand Prix.
The 40-year-old Britton crossed the line in the seventh time, but was promoted to first place after a 10-second penalty from Max Burstappen.
Hamilton was unwell in the mood to speak, and made a series of short responses to the media after a race in Barcelona, where Clash was on the ground.
Asked about his tricky afternoon, Hamilton simply replied.
Hamilton said he struggled with the lack of rear grip on the “wide race”.
Hamilton and Leclair
Asked if his Ferrari felt better at any stage of the race, Hamilton replied: “No, I don’t know why it’s so bad.”
Hamilton added: “It was the worst race I’ve had.
Hamilton presses if he can take something positive from the race: “Zero.”
Asked where he was going from here, Hamilton rebutted: “Home.”
Ferrari reveals Hamilton’s car problem
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur spoke to media including Crash.Net after the Grand Prix on Sunday to reveal that Hamilton’s car is in trouble.
“We had a problem with the car in the final stint before the safety car, and the results were not good, but he did 45 laps in front of Russell,” Vasseur said.
However, the French do not provide further details. When asked what the problem is, I respond “I won’t tell you.”