‘Passions are high’ but Hamilton has no problem with Mercedes’ F1 strategies

Radio messages were broadcast during both the Australian and Miami grands prix in which Hamilton appeared to question his team’s strategy after losing track position. 

But speaking ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton insisted he has no issues with Mercedes’ strategies and urged fans not to read too much into radio messages made in the heat of the moment. 

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“Firstly, we continue to work hard. I don’t have any problems with strategy,” he said. “We learn every weekend. We had great discussions before and afterwards. We’ve been a little unfortunate.  

“I definitely feel that, it’s no secret that for those who are watching and what is broadcast, it’s hard for anybody to truly understand what it’s like in the car. Your emotions are higher than ever, your heart rate is very high. 

“Maybe a woman would understand, maybe, having to give the answers during the difficult scenarios. 

“But it’s never the same as when you’re cool and chill and just having a normal conversation with someone. When your heart rate’s as high as it is, you don’t always have the best answers to everything. 

“But also it just shows there’s a lot of passion, there’s that desire to do well.” 

Hamilton rubbishes suggestions of Masi's F1 comeback

In a recent interview with The Daily Mail, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that former FIA race director Michael Masi could still be used in some capacity this year, despite his removal as race director following the part he played in the controversial ending to last season’s title battle. 

The same report claimed that Hamilton was unhappy about the prospect of Masi returning, but the seven-time world champion dismissed the story. 

“I only heard of that story a couple of days ago, firstly,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to anyone. I’ve not done an interview for that newspaper for probably 10 years. 

“So it’s inaccurate, as are some of – most of – the stories. I don’t really have a particular feeling about it. I’ve not given it any thought. 

“I don’t know what Mohammed has said, I’ve not read his story, I don’t know what his agenda is.” 

No progress on jewellery saga 

Hamilton said he has not spoken to the FIA since Miami about his ongoing stand-off over F1’s ban on the wearing of jewellery while competing. 

This weekend’s Spanish GP marks the last of a two-race exemption that enables Hamilton to continue wearing the nose piercing he says he cannot take out without surgical intervention. 

Ben Sulayem has indicated that Hamilton, who did remove his earrings while in the car in Miami, would receive a penalty if he fails to remove the nose piercing at the next race in Monaco. 

“I haven’t had any discussions with anybody since the last time I spoke on the Sunday of the last race,” Hamilton said. “What I am aware of, is that those who are married are able to wear their wedding rings. So yeah…”

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell then interjected, joking: “You just need to get married then,” to which Hamilton replied: “No, you first bro!”