Hamilton calls for F1 drivers to do homework
Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about not wanting to share data with Formula One teammates and says he has “zero problems” with new Mercedes arrival Valtteri Bottas.
Hamilton said drivers should do their own “homework” rather than be able to copy a teammate’s racing lines and braking points.
“I go out, do my laps, do all my homework and the other guy can see everything,” said the Briton.
“When we’re driving we’re picking out braking points, bumps, tyre rubber marks on the track, all these different things to help get you through the corner quickest . . . but because of this [shared] data they [teammates] can just copy you.
“They should be able to go out there on their own and find it all themselves, without you.”
Hamilton’s comments were interpreted by some as Hamilton criticising Mercedes for insisting on shared data between teammates, but he took to Twitter yesterday to emphasise that was not the case.
“I wish to clarify, I have not hit out at my team at all. My point on data sharing is solely my feelings about the sport in general,” said the 32-year-old.
“It has been my feeling since the day I started F1 and still is 10 years later. There is zero problems in my team, zero problems with Bottas.”
The Briton has said it does not matter who his teammate is and spoke warmly of Bottas, who joins from Williams without having won a race so far.
The season starts in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on March 26. Mercedes present their new car at Silverstone on Friday.