Barcelona F1 test: Lewis Hamilton unhappy with 'rock solid' tyres
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton says his pre-season testing is being held back by Pirelli's 'rock solid' Formula 1 tyres not working as he would like in cold conditions
The Mercedes driver set the third fastest time at Barcelona on Saturday on the medium compound, but he was far from happy about the way the tyres were behaving.
"It was a hard day," said Hamilton, who has been battling illness this week. "I was glad I got 100 laps and glad I got time in the car.
"The guys are working hard here and back at the factory, and we are trying to get mileage.
"But I would say the biggest issue is the tyres. They don't work, they are so hard. They are not spectacular."
Hamilton said that he struggled for most of the day to get the tyres in to the right operating window.
"If you are not weaving - you come in [the pits], and the tyres might be 80-degrees so it is hot but they don't work and they are not in the operating window hardly ever.
"Then one lap you might feel it is not so bad, but then it drops off.
"I also ran the hard yesterday and it was even harder.
"My first impression of the tyres is not spectacular, but maybe when we get to hotter conditions it will be better."
Hamilton believes that the fact that he was having to concentrate so much on managing the tyres meant that there was still plenty to be learned about the new Mercedes W06.
"It feels like we could know more," he said. "There is always more.
"We could do with more days, lots more tyres, good tyres, better tyres.
"[Tyres] that work all the time when they go out, so you can actually go out and pound around and make set-up changes. That is what testing is all about.
"Testing is a lot different these days. You are trying to balance it with mileage.
"But the tyres are rock solid and they don't really work very often. Well, they haven't been for me at least."
Barcelona F1 test: Pastor Maldonado fastest on day three for Lotus
Barcelona F1 test: Sebastian Vettel takes blame for first-lap spin
Why WTR Acura lacked pace to beat MSR in Daytona 24 showdown
Filipe Albuquerque admits that he knew it would be a tall order for Wayne Taylor Racing to overcome sister Acura squad Meyer Shank Racing in last weekend's Daytona 24 Hours.
How MSR took Acura to the first win of sportscar racing's new era
After much anticipation, the new dawn for sportscar racing got underway with a result that mirrored last year's IMSA SportsCar Championship's season-opener run to the previous DPi rules. Here's how Acura once again took top honours in the Daytona 24 Hours with a 1-2 led by Meyer Shank Racing, as the new GTP class for LMDh hybrid prototypes made its bow
Alonso's pushy trait a boost for me in 2023 F1 season, says Stroll
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll says Fernando Alonso's pushy nature will be a boost to both him and the squad this year.
Porsche aims to “learn quick” from Daytona 24 Hours disappointment
Porsche’s director of factory racing Urs Kuratle says his team will gain valuable answers from its disappointing results in the Daytona 24 Hours.
Who were the fastest drivers in F1 2022?
Who was the fastest driver in 2022? Everyone has an opinion, but what does the stopwatch say? Obviously, differing car performance has an effect on ultimate laptime – but it’s the relative speed of each car/driver package that’s fascinating and enlightening says ALEX KALINAUCKAS
Why F1's nearly man is refreshed and ready for his return
He has more starts without a podium than anyone else in Formula 1 world championship history, but Nico Hulkenberg is back for one more shot with Haas. After spending three years on the sidelines, the revitalised German is aiming to prove to his new team what the F1 grid has been missing
The potential-laden F1 car that Ferrari neglected
The late Mauro Forghieri played a key role in Ferrari’s mid-1960s turnaround, says STUART CODLING, and his pretty, intricate 1512 was among the most evocative cars of the 1.5-litre era. But a victim of priorities as Formula 1 was deemed less lucrative than success in sportscars, its true potential was never seen in period
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? LUKE SMITH asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.