Hamilton: More Enjoyable F1 Car – F1sport.cz

Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in the tests in Barcelona.

Hamilton was satisfied with the new car after the first drives.

“This generation of cars is a bit more fun to drive,” Hamilton told the F1 website. “The car is oversteer, aggressive and a bit slippery. It’s a bit easier to correct and I’d definitely say it’s more enjoyable.”

“Obviously we still have work to improve, like everyone else. But we had great briefings, everyone is really into it. I can feel the winning mentality in every single person in the team more than ever. So that’s positive.”

“We’re under no illusions, we know we’ve got work to do. Mercedes had some great runs. I think Red Bull and Haas were also doing very well, so we don’t really know where we are exactly. But I think it’s a solid first week and we have a lot to build on. We might have some big leaps ahead. Development will be key – just making sure we leave no stone unturned and that our communication and decisions made are clear and concise. It will require everyone to be at their best. And I can see everyone going into it with a new energy this year, which is great.”

Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc was also satisfied with the tests.

“Overall, it was a productive shakedown. We completed our program and managed to do a solid number of laps, which was key for the first understanding of the car and the new systems,” Leclerc told Ferrari’s website.

“The first day in the wet was challenging, especially with a brand new car, but in the end it became a valuable experience. The last two days have also been positive and now our focus shifts to data analysis and work in Maranello before the Bahrain test.”