The world champion tested positive for coronavirus after the Bahrain Grand Prix fourteen days ago. And although the team claimed to feel well and the disease was asymptomatic, it was not. Nor could the press release before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix be true. A few days ago, Hamilton claimed that he was one hundred percent ready. At Sunday’s briefing after the race, he said the exact opposite.
“My body is not well, I still feel the effects of the infection. But the positive thing is that I was able to fight her and I’m here. Last week, it never occurred to me that I could race today, “said the driver of the Mercedes stable at a press conference after the race in the United Arab Emirates.
Whether the news from the team was false or an experienced rider is looking for excuses for his bloodless performance in the final race of the season, it is certain that he wants to continue racing. “I’m always perfectly physically prepared and this surprised me. But I’m here, so I can thank you for my health and for surviving. Maybe I’ve never been so done. I’m looking forward to returning to training and putting my body in order to be where it should be. ”He planned for the coming weeks.
While Valtteri Bottas admitted dryly at a post-race press conference that Red Bull was clearly better for the first time this season, faster than Mercedes, and Max Verstappen simply set a pace that black monoposts weren’t enough, Lewis Hamilton talked about himself and his health. Although he eventually admitted that the Austrians have their qualities. “We did not expect him to maintain such performance in the race, throughout the race. In the end, Max was out of our reach, he said.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen takes over the trophy for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner.
The fact that the Red Bull monopost was unheard of in the Arabian circuit is also confirmed by the performance of the second driver of the stable, Alexander Albon. The racer, who usually fights in the middle of the field, suddenly drove in front of the finish line Mercedes and did not have much time to attack Hamilton’s position. It was his best performance of the season. “I think I did my best today to get a contract for next year. Now I can only wait, “said Thajec, who is still not sure that he will continue in F1 in 2021.
Lewis Hamilton, the “sick man of the race”, is in the same position as him. He doesn’t have a contract with his team yet. Although both sides say with a smile that everything is going well, the British press speculates that Hamilton’s financial demands are a problem. He has made $ 54 million this season and wants more as a seven-time world champion. Even in times of crisis. Even in a situation where other carmakers such as Honda are leaving Formula 1.
Hamilton’s position in the negotiations was not greatly helped by the unique performance of George Russell, who represented him at the Sáchir Grand Prix. The young Brit only sat in his car for three days, but he was faster than Bottas and did not win the race just by coincidence. However, no one in Mercedes will confirm that. “The coronavirus infection has postponed the negotiations, but it will hopefully be done by Christmas,” says Mercedes Toto Wolff, head of the Mercedes team, optimistically. But will there really be an agreement?
“I want to be here next year as well, I think we can still achieve a lot with the team, both in sports and even outside sports,” plans Lewis Hamilton, who does not intend to leave the championship. But can he compromise on his financial requirements?
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