Haug: Hamilton is not the favorite for the victory

Lewis Hamilton seems to be back in the right rhythm during Thursday’s free practice sessions. The reigning world champion has yet to win a race this season.

According to Norbert Haug, head of Mercedes Motorsport, Hamilton is not one of the favorites to win the Monaco Grand Prix, as he did last year.

« I wouldn’t want to consider us as the favorites for this weekend, » Haug stated at the Thursday press conference.

I have come to Monaco several times and I think it’s always a good sign to see a car immediately among the fastest. It’s essential and the same everywhere. If you can achieve the best times right away, you show that you can trust the car, but it’s even more important here, in Monaco.

« Lewis [Hamilton] and Heikki [Kovalainen] are not completely satisfied with the cars, but it’s a very good start to the weekend. We still have to work hard for the race. » continued the German representative.

« I think the team has good skills on the Monaco track, but I wouldn’t want to make a prediction right now. It’s so tight, 12 cars are within the same second, some have used hard tires, others soft tires, all with different fuel quantities. I think it will be completely different for the qualification. Ferrari will be very strong, that’s for sure, but also Brawn GP. Red Bull will be stronger than what they’ve shown us and, I also think Renault, Toyota will be as well. Williams will be seriously very strong here. »