Sir Lewis Hamilton has likened Saturday’s Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix sprint race to his karting days at Rye House, where his illustrious racing career began.
The 38-year-old endured a terrible sprint qualifying session where he finished in 18th after losing his best time in the first stint of the session for track limit violations. He also caught up with reigning champion and former title rival Max Verstappen on what would have been his last flying lap.
Hamilton ultimately ended the sprint in 10th after a long battle in the midfield but admits he still enjoyed the race nonetheless.
“It was fun,” the seven-time world champion told Autosport. “I just had a laugh out there, and it was just enjoying myself. It was like being around Rye House on a normal weekend, just enjoying yourself.
“I had a great first lap. And then generally just struggled with the balance of the car. When you get into wet conditions, it highlights the issues you have with the car, and those don’t give you confidence.
“But otherwise, I transitioned to the slick way too late. I don’t really like gambling, and I didn’t, so I paid the price for that. But otherwise, I’m relatively happy with it.”
He IS the moment. ???? pic.twitter.com/m67s2BVm4I
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 2, 2023
Hamilton also admitted that his Mercedes has not performed as he would have liked this weekend.
“I mean, we haven’t progressed it so much this weekend” he stated.
“We’re further behind this weekend than we were in the last one. But yeah, it’s still the same car. We’ve just got to keep chipping away at it.”
Hamilton will start Sunday’s main race in fifth place behind pole sitter Verstappen, the Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris in the McLaren.
