Hamilton: “Our race in Australia is a good experience to have”

After the Melbourne Grand Prix, the McLaren team can boast of having taken the 25 points of victory with Jenson Button. Certainly, the bold tire choice by the reigning world champion driver made the difference, but a certain dissonance is being heard within the Woking team.

Indeed, what about Lewis Hamilton, who started in a discreet 11th place and finished 6th, more than 29 seconds behind his teammate?

The former world champion leaves this GP frustrated by a team strategy that he cannot understand.

For him, the engineers’ decision to impose a second stop to fit new dry tires is the reason for this result because the 1st and 2nd place double was within reach.

Despite the disappointment, Hamilton wants to stay positive and declares from Malaysia:

«The situation is now clearer. We gathered to understand what happened. In the race, we have to make very quick decisions, and we are still in the learning phase with these tires under a full fuel load. I think the team believed the tires couldn’t last that long…

All of this makes for an experience from which the team will benefit as early as the next race.

The young English prodigy tries to hold his head high:

«After the race, I returned to the garage. I was happy for all the guys because seeing them all in red celebrating the victory remains a great feeling… Whether I win or my teammate wins, it’s always an amazing feeling because it’s a whole team that works hard for it.»

He offers a sincere apology despite having vehemently protested against the decision-makers at McLaren.

I’m so passionate about this sport, my heart beats to the rhythm of the race, I had such an adrenaline rush during this Grand Prix, especially since I had just been hit by another car. So yes, maybe once I got out of my cockpit, I didn’t say the right words.

Hamilton’s frustration was compounded by the collision with Webber’s Red Bull at the end of the race, he admits:

In these conditions, of course finishing is always interesting, but it’s very frustrating to be hooked in this way. At the moment, it’s as if you’re climbing a ladder and suddenly slip. It’s a feeling that’s not easy to bear, especially after working so hard. But that’s also racing, and that’s where the resulting excitement comes from.

Stung by Jenson Button’s victory, annoyed by the team’s strategy, this is enough to further motivate the young prodigy from Stevenage.