Hamilton does it again as Racing Point files clarification regarding a Mercedes’ tech advancement.
SPIELBERG, Austria—July 3rd—Earlier this week, Lewis Hamilton remarked that the first Friday practice of the Formula 1 season might “get a little messy.” But after Friday’s performance, it was apparent that Hamilton wasn’t referring to himself.
Hamilton speaks to press before Friday’s practice (photo, Daily Mail)
The Brit, who’s looking to capture his seventh world driving title, posted a 1:04:304 fastest time in the second practice session to head a Mercedes 1-2 for Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas finished second, and Sergio Perez took third in his Racing Point entry.
Even though Friday was the initial practice session of the COVID-delayed season, controversy has already emerged. Mercedes’ new system–D.A.S. (duel-axis steering)–enables both front wheels to change, thereby maximizing tire wear and aerodynamic effects.
Following Friday’s practice, Red Bull Racing filed a clarification regarding how the system can be used fairly. But the filing doesn’t come without complication. A Mercedes-related customer team in Racing Point has a car nicknamed “The Pink Mercedes” with the same engine and aerodynamic design used by Mercedes in 2019.
None of that concerns Hamilton, who’s just glad to be back on the grid. “It’s been a long time coming. It felt great to feel the new car,” he declared.
As for the rest of the competitors, Sebastian Vettel–who’s in his final year with Ferrari–took fourth in the afternoon, far ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished in ninth.
Lance Stroll kept Racing Point in the top ten with a seventh-place finish, while Max Verstappen, who had spun early and complained about rear instability, was eighth. Carlos Sainz Jr., who will be Vettel’s 2021 replacement, was tenth in his current McLaren entry.
Saturday’s qualifying is next. Then the teams square off Sunday in the first leg of two consecutive weekends in Austria.
