Bahrain Grand Prix: Hamilton slams changes that “bring back” Red Bull
The seven-time world champion took two potshots at the new 2021 regulations and the loss of downforce at the rear of single-seaters.
Do not look for Lewis Hamilton! Appearing calm, the Mercedes driver issued a scathing warning this Saturday during the post-qualifying press conference.
Asked by journalists about the importance of the aerodynamic changes at the rear of the new cars, the British driver answered frankly, unlike Bottas who avoided the subject.
For Hamilton, it’s crystal clear.
According to Hamilton, the changes favor Red Bull, the opponent in pole position thanks to Max Verstappen. ” I believe there are no secrets: these changes were obviously made to bring them back,” he reacted after the qualifying session.
In the past, dominant notably thanks to a formidable rear end, the Mercedes team is struggling more this year to maximize the downforce of its W12. The FIA has reduced the downforce of the cars by limiting the development of the diffuser towards the back of the car.
Consequence: the advantaged cars are those with a strong rake (inclination) between the rear and the front… like Red Bull, which has a high rake, unlike Mercedes.
« I believe there are no secrets: these changes were of course made to bring them back » (editor’s note: Red Bull)
And that’s not all! Hamilton added this example from the fall of 2020: « there were also these changes last year to our engine to do the same thing. » (editor’s note: bring back Red Bull).
Here, the British refers to the unique engine mapping imposed by the FIA from the Italian Grand Prix 2020 for qualifying and the race. A measure that had forced Mercedes to stop its “Party mode” setting, its special mapping used notably in Q3 to exploit the engine power to the maximum.
« There were also changes made to our engine last year to achieve the same thing. »
Despite these comments, driver #44 does not give up against his clearly designated rival. Hamilton stated that he is ultimately « closer than he thought » to Verstappen. « It’s okay, we love the challenge. We’re just working as hard as we can. »
Even if for the Mercedes team leader, Red Bull is also stronger in terms of race pace. It is now certain and Bottas mentioned it in the same press conference: the W12 was not deliberately downplayed during winter testing. Don’t talk about sandbagging anymore! The new car from Brackley has its issues: 2 more seconds in qualifying compared to last year. We are now awaiting the response in the race this Sunday afternoon.
