After the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton took an unusually self-critical view of his performance, despite finishing in a respectable fourth place, just behind teammate George Russell. Hamilton described the race as “one of the worst” he has driven, highlighting his deep personal disappointment and readiness to take full responsibility for his performance shortcomings. This sentiment was explored in the F1 Nation podcast, where hosts questioned the reasons behind Hamilton’s harsh self-assessment.
Podcast host Tom Clarkson noted that Hamilton entered the race with high hopes, boosted by improvements seen in practice sessions with a new front wing configuration not used in Monaco. Clarkson explained that Hamilton’s confidence from practice faded in qualifying, leading to his admission of not driving a great race. Clarkson suggested Hamilton’s remarks might also serve as a subtle message to Russell about the overtaking circumstances.
In contrast, Natalie Pinkham interpreted Hamilton’s self-critique as a sincere acknowledgment of his performance. She highlighted Hamilton’s public self-chastisement and willingness to shoulder the blame, questioning whether his race was truly as poor as he claimed. Pinkham praised Hamilton’s openness, pointing out that despite having nothing to prove, he still admitted his mistakes.
Clarkson further discussed Hamilton’s recent uncertainty about his car’s inconsistent performance, especially during qualifying, where he struggled compared to Russell. He recalled Hamilton expressing doubts about out-qualifying Russell this year, reflecting ongoing challenges within the team.
Pinkham empathized with the pressures drivers like Hamilton face, noting that every comment they make is scrutinized. She suggested that if Hamilton’s worst race results in a fourth-place finish, it indicates progress at Mercedes. Hamilton’s self-criticism, whether tactical or genuine, underscores his high standards and commitment to excellence, highlighting his mature perspective as the team dynamics continue to evolve.
