Lewis Hamilton, only eighth in Monaco, finished behind George Russell (fifth) for the sixth consecutive race; Toto Wolff defends Hamilton amid the clash of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso “Formula 2” at the wheel; Hamilton and Wolff also comment on the Mercedes car on a difficult weekend
By Matt Morlidge
Last updated: 30/05/22 11:16 am
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Lewis Hamilton says he hoped the rain would open up opportunities for overtaking after a frustrating run
Lewis Hamilton says he hoped the rain would open up opportunities for overtaking after a frustrating run
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has defended Lewis Hamilton after another frustrating day in 2022, condemning Fernando Alonso’s stoppage at the Monaco GP and insisting that seven-time champion and George Russell are “very much on the same pace” .
Hamilton finished just eighth in Sunday’s frantic dry, wet Monte Carlo match, which is also where he qualified, as the most successful F1 driver finished behind young teammate George Russell for the sixth consecutive race. .
Hamilton was frustrated first by Esteban Ocon’s Alpine, who won a penalty for contact with Mercedes, and then Alonso, who slowly held Hamilton by the narrow streets.
“I could have been right there and locked up Lando [Norris, sixth] or even fight with George [fifth] and Lando in front because that was his pace, “Wolff said later.
Hamilton has regretted bad luck so far in 2022, with Safety Cars costing him many points, while his Monaco GP weekend was hampered by a red flag in the standings and then the Alpines in the career.
“When you look at the bad times Lewis had, stuck behind Fernando today, the contact with Esteban, the red flag yesterday in the standings,” Wolff added.
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Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon meet at Sainte Devote as the Mercedes driver tries to move forward
Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon meet at Sainte Devote as the Mercedes driver tries to move forward
“I think the pendulum will swing and this bad luck will stop with Lewis as they go very much at the same pace.”
Hamilton is currently sixth in the drivers’ standings, 75 points behind leader Max Verstappen. Late Sunday night, he posted a message to fans on his Instagram stories stating, “I’m sorry I didn’t give you great results this year, but I won’t give up. We’ll win and lose together.” .
Wolff unhappy with Alonso, Monaco
Hamilton restarted the race after the red flag behind Alonso and was unable to pull off the Alpine, which was deliberately slow driving with difficult overtaking in the Principality.
Alonso was more than four seconds a lap slower than the cars ahead, finishing 34 seconds behind Lando Norris despite McLaren’s additional pit stop.
Wolff accused Alonso of driving “Formula 2” and said Monaco should change.
“I think what we need to look at is Monaco,” the Mercedes boss said.
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George Russell says Mercedes can pull off many positive aspects of its racing pace at the Monaco Grand Prix
George Russell says Mercedes can pull off many positive aspects of its racing pace at the Monaco Grand Prix
“If a car can slow down for almost five seconds and hold everyone back, it’s a shame for the race here, so maybe we can look at the track layout and the things we can do so we don’t have a procession or strategy. qualifying race.
“You can see that there is another lesson that track position is everything in Monaco, I mean five seconds is like a Formula 2 car.
“It’s a show here, it’s a great place and it’s always amazing to be here, but I think we have to somehow look at the design where we can basically close the loop five seconds slower and still be able to. Don’t do it.”
Hamilton said he was frustrated, but said, “What’s the point of letting me eat? That’s what it is and I can’t do anything about it.
“I’ll be back at the factory and we’ll try again next time.”
Hamilton: I’m done with the tremor!
Mercedes, after an encouraging Spanish GP, was a long way from the pace of the first Red Bull and Ferrari in Monaco and its W13 bounced back, although it was thought to be due to the rugged track rather than on the porch of his floor.
The season continues with the Azerbaijan GP on June 12.
“I’m praying that the car doesn’t feel like here because here it felt the worst it has ever had with the blows,” Hamilton said.
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Ted Kravitz looks back at a crazy Monaco GP
Ted Kravitz looks back at a crazy Monaco GP
“My teeth and jaw going all the time, I ended up shaking.
“Ours is so stiff that the suspension is pushing it back to the ground.
“I’m looking forward to a more open track and I’m praying it’s not as bumpy as it is here.”
Wolff, for his part, admitted that Monaco gave more “lessons” for the struggling world champions.
“At the moment, I don’t want anything for us to give away,” he added.
“Our team is only third on the road and that’s why the fifth and sixth positions are where we belong.
“This is not where we want to be and so if you’re inheriting a podium it’s nice, it’s good for long-term points, but I don’t want any of that.
“I want to win at the top and that will be part of the important lessons we learn here and will be the basis for acting again in the long run.”