Lewis Hamilton's Surprise: "Max Won?! Holy S***" at Qatar GP
Lewis Hamilton was oblivious to Max Verstappen's Qatar Grand Prix win until he was in post-race interviews, expressing genuine surprise, "holy s***, I thought Piastri won." This reveals the changing F1 landscape, where Hamilton, no longer consistently at the front, is less aware of the race winner, highlighting a significant shift in his championship focus.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was unaware Max Verstappen had won the Qatar Grand Prix until midway through post-race media interviews, exclaiming, "holy s***, I thought Piastri won." This candid reaction highlights Hamilton's current detachment from the front of the grid as he navigates a challenging season, far removed from his past championship battles.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's surprising lack of awareness underscores the significant shift in his competitive position. Once a perennial title contender, his current struggles mean he's no longer focused on the very front of the race, a stark contrast to his past dominance. This moment offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of F1, where new stars like Piastri are emerging, and even legends like Hamilton are adapting to different roles.
The details:
- During a post-race media scrum, Hamilton was discussing championship standings when he mistakenly assumed Oscar Piastri had won the Qatar GP.
- Upon being corrected that Max Verstappen was the victor, Hamilton expressed genuine surprise: "Max won?! Oh shoot, I didn't know that. Wow, holy s***. I thought Piastri won."
- Praise for Verstappen: Despite his shock, Hamilton acknowledged Verstappen's consistent performance, stating, "We all know Max does a great job. I think he's got a phenomenal team behind him... he does an amazing job with it, so can't fault him."
- He also noted Red Bull's long-standing superior car over the last four years, despite a brief dip at the start of the current season.
- Circuit Criticism: Hamilton also voiced concerns about the Lusail circuit's design, particularly the lack of overtaking opportunities.
- He proposed extending the DRS zone during the Drivers' Briefing, a suggestion he felt was overlooked by officials.
- He also criticized the excessively long 26-second pit lane, calling the circuit "probably the worst race for us to go to, when you can't overtake."
The big picture:
Hamilton's candid reaction reflects a broader narrative in Formula 1. While Verstappen and Red Bull continue their reign, the competitive landscape behind them is evolving. McLaren, with drivers like Piastri and Norris, is showing significant progress, challenging the traditional hierarchy. Meanwhile, veteran champions like Hamilton are increasingly focusing on immediate race performance and circuit improvements rather than the overall championship outcome.
What's next:
The incident highlights ongoing discussions about circuit design and race excitement. Hamilton's comments on the DRS zone and pit lane length could push F1 and circuit organizers to re-evaluate track layouts to enhance racing spectacle, particularly at venues like Lusail. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how teams and drivers adapt to evolving regulations and circuit challenges, while the top teams continue to battle for supremacy.