PART ONE – Liam LAWSON (Racing Bulls), Oliver BEARMAN (Haas), Kimi ANTONELLI (Mercedes)
Q: Kimi, can we begin with you and simply mirror for a second on what occurred on Saturday. By way of your ending place, not your finest outcome this yr, however when it comes to execution, was that your finest race of 2025?
Kimi ANTONELLI: I believe it was, undoubtedly, as a result of we executed every thing very effectively. Clearly, the technique was fairly loopy, however we made it stick and it was good. , it modified the entire race and the truth that we had been in a position to maintain on to that one-stop, it allowed us to complete the place we completed on the finish. So undoubtedly, it was actually good execution-wise. I believe additionally on my aspect, it was in all probability the very best race of the season thus far as a result of in that stint, I used to be in a position to handle the tyres and in addition to place collectively every thing I’ve discovered through the season. It was good as a result of it simply saved coming, and it was good enjoyable.
Q: Can we speak about what you have discovered through the season? As a result of if you happen to consider Interlagos, we consider Baku, the outcomes have been getting progressively higher. What’s the greatest factor you have discovered on this first season?
KA: Properly, there’s many issues that I’ve discovered within the season, however I’ve undoubtedly understood so much higher about my wants on the monitor and off monitor, and as effectively, on the mindset. I believe having the precise mindset earlier than going to a session is essential. Having the give attention to the precise issues, on the vital issues, and never simply specializing in the ultimate outcome—simply specializing in how you can get there and meaning doing every thing proper. After which lots of different bits, however I believe I grew up so much through the season. I grew to become extra mature, particularly overcoming the tough moments actually made me develop. Now I can deal with conditions higher. In fact, there’s room for enchancment, however we’re on a great trajectory thus far.
Q: And, Kimi, what about this weekend right here in Baku? Do you assume Mercedes can combine it with McLaren and Purple Bull on the entrance once more?
KA: In Baku or Qatar?
Q: Sorry, right here! I imply this weekend. Do you assume Mercedes can problem?
KA: It’s OK, I perceive the jet lag might be… I imply, you by no means know. I believe final yr truly Mercedes was fairly robust, particularly in qualifying. So hopefully we might be robust and even higher. In fact, this yr has been a little bit of a humorous pattern—within the tracks the place we had been meant to be good, we weren’t so good, however in different tracks the place we had been “meh”, we had been truly fairly good. So we’ll see tomorrow. The vital factor is to begin on the precise foot, good rhythm, and simply have a pleasant development throughout the entire weekend. However actually wanting ahead to it, to be truthful. Clearly, final two races of the season and actually aiming to complete on a excessive.
Q: Excellent luck with it. Thanks, Kimi. Now, Ollie, let’s come to you. You are on a roll—5 consecutive factors finishes now. Simply how a lot confidence have you ever acquired within the automotive?
Ollie BEARMAN: Yeah, so much. Mainly, since we introduced that improve in Austin, however even earlier than that, it has been a great run of races. , with Mexico, P4, P6 in Brazil, Las Vegas, P12 on monitor and fortunately managing to rise up there in P10. However truly, I believe Vegas was a great mark for us—that even on a foul weekend, we might be there or thereabouts. We had been fortunate to attain factors, however that was not our greatest weekend on paper. It didn’t end up the very best for us when it comes to technique and my feeling with the automotive. So, regardless of all of that, we completed very near the factors and had been fortunate to get within the factors. That offers me a extremely good feeling heading into the final two.
Q: You referenced the improve in Austin. What has that allowed you to unleash within the automotive?
OB: Drive a bit faster. It is given us the sensation that we have been chasing all yr. Mainly, it makes the automotive a bit extra on edge now and again, with particular wind situations and site visitors, for instance, it may be a bit tougher with this improve, however I believe that is all the time the trade-off that you simply’re enjoying with, particularly this late right into a cycle of regs. I believe it is given us a couple of tenths—in all probability not even a couple of—even a tenth, tenth and a half. However with the way in which that F1 is in the meanwhile, that is sufficient to place you up the order. In fact, it was a threat taking that improve this late into the season with the brand new regs subsequent yr, however I believe based mostly on our place—and each Constructors’ place is extremely beneficial to a crew like Haas—I believe we have made the precise name.
Q: And do you assume the automotive will swimsuit the quick sweeps of the Lusail circuit?
OB: I hope so. I imply, the crew had a great race right here final yr, and with our automotive traits… I imply, after I was wanting on the final 5 – 6 occasions, Vegas was the one which I used to be least wanting ahead to, and to come back away from there with two automobiles within the factors actually tells me that we are able to combat on any monitor. So, it is much less all the way down to automotive efficiency and extra all the way down to execution and getting that proper. We all know that quali is extremely tight, so it’s nearly placing the automotive within the excellent window and executing.
Q: First full season in Method 1 nearly accomplished. Simply the place do you assume you have improved as a driver this yr?
OB: I believe utilizing my velocity and taking the precise, measured threat within the right moments is one thing that I’ve improved on. As a result of, you recognize, coming from F2 the place in free apply you place the automotive already on the restrict in lap two or lap three as a result of you will have one set of tyres and the tyres are degrading so much. So you should discover out what the automotive is able to earlier than you get into quali. However then, typically on an F1 weekend, you will have so many units of tyres and so many periods that you’ve time to construct up. That strategy is one thing I have not actually taken since Method 4, as a result of while you’re in F3 and F2, you don’t have any time on monitor and no tyres. So, form of resetting my driving, my strategy, again to build up step-by-step and slowly discovering out the constraints of the automotive—as a result of on the finish, Friday – not this weekend, however a common Friday with FP1 and FP2 – would not actually matter that a lot. The principle factor is that you simply right the steadiness and get the automotive within the excellent window. Then on Saturday is while you begin to go for it and push a bit extra. In order that and in addition structuring my weekends a bit higher. It’s a lot busier right here in Method 1 in comparison with what we have been used to. So, you recognize, managing even the vitality ranges throughout the total season. There’s lots of issues, however I’m additionally glad that it’s been going effectively the second half, and I wish to end now on a excessive.
Q: Alright. Properly, good luck with that. Thanks. And, Liam, let’s begin with season reflections from you as effectively. It’s been a curler coaster of a yr for you. What’s the largest factor you’ve discovered?
Liam LAWSON: Yeah. I believe with what number of races we now have, you simply haven’t got time to essentially dwell. I believe it is vital that you simply clearly mirror on every weekend and attempt to take the positives and attempt to study from every weekend. However, yeah, to undergo this many weekends and attempting to not get caught on one thing or caught up in emotion could be very powerful. So, for instance, final weekend – to have a really easy weekend all the way in which as much as the race and be in an amazing place, after which a really small mistake throws that every one away—it’s extraordinarily irritating. However clearly, we’re racing once more this weekend, and also you simply haven’t got time to dwell on it an excessive amount of.
Q: Let’s have a look at the positives from final weekend although. The quali tempo was good. Simply how tough has it been to get a one-lap out of the automotive this yr?
LL: I’d say it is undoubtedly been extra of a wrestle for me. I believe the automotive has been very fast, and I believe that is been what we have actually labored on on our aspect much more this yr—attempting to extract one lap out of the automotive, and out of me. And I believe it is acquired so much higher by way of the yr. Clearly, Vegas was very particular. It was extra like 12 laps than one lap with the way in which quali was. However I believe it has been getting higher by way of the yr. And with how shut it’s, it’s simply placing every thing collectively. I imply, in an entire weekend, attempting to execute every thing is difficult sufficient. That is been actually the problem in a season that’s this shut. And it is also why when issues do not go easily, you may lose quite a bit.
Q: Vegas, Qatar – they’re at polar opposites when it comes to what you should be fast. Do you assume you may ship this weekend right here?
LL: It is form of like what Kimi mentioned. We have had lots of races we anticipated to both be fast at not be faster and both/or. We had a troublesome race final yr – for us Qatar final yr was one of many hardest. So I am hoping meaning, for no matter cause, we’re good this yr. But it surely’s very arduous to know. It’s a really totally different monitor to Vegas, however I believe we’re in a a lot better place now with the automotive than we have been final yr. We have now a greater understanding. However clearly, being a dash, it is going to be a problem for positive. However hopefully we are able to have a great weekend.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Kimi, 48 laps on the arduous tyre—wonderful. May you will have accomplished that within the first three or 4 races of this season? And if the reply isn’t any, what modified in you over the course of the yr that you may take care of being requested to do a method like that?
KA: Properly, undoubtedly, no. I would not have been in a position to do it initially of the season. I believe through the season, you study so much. Clearly, you undergo totally different compounds—it’s not the identical compounds each race. However to be truthful, the C3 has been a compound that I fairly appreciated as effectively, together with the C4 and C5. So, I believe simply through the season, you perceive—clearly monitor to trace it’s totally different—however you perceive the behaviour of the tyre. And also you additionally attempt to discover slightly bit, whether or not in apply or within the race, with totally different pushing ranges and see how the tyre responds. Vegas was, I assume, the very best execution of the season thus far as a result of I put all of the learnings from earlier races collectively. That allowed me to do a protracted stint and to react to the tyre getting older lap by lap. I used to be in a position – with the assist of the crew – to react and steadiness the automotive, particularly in the previous few laps and go till the tip. However undoubtedly, initially of the season, I’d have stopped as a substitute of going till the tip.
Q: (Panagiotis Seitanidis – ANT1 TV) For Kimi and Ollie. Final yr you had been right here as teammates in F2, going to F1 with lots of expectations. One yr on, what’s the greatest problem you will have confronted? And what was probably the most nice shock—possibly a state of affairs or one thing that you simply thought is likely to be tougher than it was?
OB: Largest shock or greatest distinction, I’d say, might be how busy you might be in comparison with F2. We do nearly double the races in Method 1, but in addition away from the monitor—much more activations with companions, much more media commitments. So, for instance, subsequent yr we begin already in week two or three, so there’s not likely breaks like we had and had been used to in Method 2. So, your vitality stage—it’s one factor driving the automotive, however the different factor is arriving on the monitor all the time 100% able to go. And the largest profit is that the automotive is admittedly enjoyable to drive. I actually get pleasure from placing the F1 automotive on the restrict, particularly in qualifying. It is all the time a pleasure. And doubtless the journey’s a bit simpler now—we get to fly in enterprise class and that’s a bit extra comfy.
KA: I believe, you recognize, the largest shock… effectively, undoubtedly the commitments that you’ve throughout weekends, but in addition exterior race weekends. I believe this has been one of many greatest components and one of many greatest learnings as effectively — attempting to handle the vitality one of the best ways potential, attempting to maneuver issues round simply to your individual profit. So undoubtedly that has been the largest problem, I am not going to lie. There have been moments within the season the place I felt fairly drained, however now clearly I do know what to anticipate a lot better, and I believe additionally subsequent yr goes to be a bit simpler as a result of going by way of this yr and experiencing all this sort of stuff will assist for subsequent yr to be additionally extra in charge of the state of affairs. However on the opposite aspect, you get to drive these wonderful automobiles. They’re extraordinarily fast and it is lots of enjoyable, particularly in qualifying. The restrict is so excessive that it’s enjoyable to go on the market and attempt to uncover how a lot you may push the automotive. I am not going to lie additionally, some tracks that weren’t so enjoyable possibly in F2, with the F1 automotive had been much more enjoyable to drive. So, I believe it has been very particular to have the chance to drive such a automotive. Clearly subsequent yr goes to be a giant distinction, however we nonetheless get to drive the quickest automobiles on the planet.
Q: Kimi, which circuits come alive in a Method 1 automotive?
KA: I believe most of them. I used to be very impressed with Monaco, by how fast you may go round with an F1 automotive — that’s one among them. Additionally, Barcelona was fairly particular with the F1. I imply, getting the final nook flat in qualifying is fairly unbelievable. You wouldn’t assume to do this, and also you wouldn’t wish to do this in an F2 automotive as a result of in any other case you find yourself within the grandstand — with the spectators.
OB: Within the metropolis centre.
KA: Within the metropolis centre! But it surely’s unbelievable. That’s one other monitor. And likewise Budapest — I used to be very impressed with the F1. So all of the tracks form of turn out to be particular with the F1, as a result of it doesn’t matter how slim they’re or how brief they’re, with F1 you may nonetheless go actually quick round, so it’s fairly particular.
Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sports activities Italy) A query for Kimi. Contemplating you might be talking about F2, there’s a main Italian driver who’s preventing for that championship. Are you following his battle? Contemplating your expertise in F2, what ought to be very elementary for him within the final two rounds?
KA: Yeah, no, after all I’m following additionally. He’s a great buddy of mine — Leo. He’s been nice, doing nice. I imply, since final yr in F3, he’s made a large step and I’m actually pleased for him to see him on high of the standings thus far. He’s been very constant this yr, and that’s what made the distinction in comparison with the others. He was all the time there and all the time getting good factors. So I believe the purpose is to attempt to proceed this consistency and to remain on the high. Yeah, I actually want him the very best as a result of I’ll be actually pleased for him in case he’s in a position to obtain this large outcome. However I’ve no doubts. The velocity has been unbelievable from him and consistency as effectively. So, yeah, actually wanting ahead to the final rounds to see how he does.
Q: (Ruis Chagas – DAZN Portugal) Query for Kimi as soon as once more. To start with, congratulations in your newest outcomes. Mid-season was a bit powerful for you. Was there any time that you simply doubted your self? And if sure, how did you overcome?
KA: Oh yeah, for positive, many occasions. Since we went on the brand new suspension, I struggled quite a bit, particularly to adapt. George, then again, regardless of that we misplaced efficiency with the brand new suspension, was in a position to adapt — and I struggled fairly much more. And I simply entered this adverse spiral the place it felt prefer it saved getting worse and worse, and frustration was simply taking on.
I believe my darkest second was Spa, in all probability. I undoubtedly doubted myself so much, as a result of clearly seeing the outcomes not coming, you begin to ask your self if you happen to’re ok. So, it wasn’t straightforward, however that’s why I did a giant assembly with the crew after Monza. I did a giant reset mentally and simply tried to refocus on vital stuff — on the method — and that actually helped. That was a giant studying as effectively.
Q: (Leonid Kliuev – Grande Prêmio) For all three. Andrea Stella mentioned that the FIA is wanting into a possible rule change after McLaren’s disqualification. After which with the latest total debate on the foundations usually, is it time to revisit them — say, from scratch? Not solely the plank factor, however total overtaking guidelines, etcetera?
KA: Yeah. I imply, that’s why in the present day we’re having a gathering about driving tips, particularly for subsequent yr. Undoubtedly, we’re going to provide our enter based mostly on our experiences, attempting to assist the FIA to set a brand new driver guideline customary that enables higher racing. I didn’t assume this yr was too unhealthy. The motive force tips — after all, you should utilize them in your approach, in your favour — however I don’t assume it wants large change. After which concerning the plank — that form of stuff — I imply, that’s the rule. With these automobiles, the decrease you run them, the extra lap time you acquire. So clearly, you should set a restrict, and if you happen to transcend that restrict, after all you are gaining a bonus, and that’s why you get a penalty. I bear in mind Mercedes in Austin 2023 — they’d the identical problem with the plank and acquired disqualified. In fact, typically you will have exterior circumstances, like McLaren may need mentioned they’d extra porpoising than anticipated. That’s unfortunate, after all, however the rule is the rule. It’s what it’s. I believe subsequent yr we’re not going to have as a lot of a difficulty with the brand new regulation.
OB: Fortunately, we now have a gathering with the FIA. I believe our major concern as drivers is, to start with, that we don’t have everlasting stewards, which is kind of difficult as a result of the rules are tips, and so they’re interpreted in a different way by totally different stewards. For the extent of our sport, if we evaluate ourselves to different elite sports activities, we’re one of many solely ones with a judging panel that modifications race to race, which is difficult for us. And I believe simply attempting to provide them a little bit of perspective of what it’s prefer to be within the automotive. There are some penalties given out this yr the place, if you happen to ask the drivers, the bulk — or all of them — would agree that it ought to or shouldn’t be a penalty, and typically the outcome from the stewards is totally different. That’s why we wish to create a little bit of parity. So, yeah, I believe it’ll be a protracted night time tonight with the assembly.
LL: Not rather more so as to add, truthfully. I believe it’s simply attempting to create a approach that, when these selections are made, it’s taken under consideration what it’s truly like being behind the wheel and driving these automobiles. The present tips had been made to attempt to perceive what we had been attempting to say final yr, however they’re ever-evolving. We’ll attempt to make issues much more clear this night and attempt to create a greater system for subsequent yr.
Q: (Jake Boxall-Legge – Autosport) A query for all three if we probably can. This race, we have a 25-lap stint most. Clearly, we had one thing comparable in 2023. I simply needed to get all three of your reactions to that — clearly it’s on security grounds. Does it depart you and the groups a lot room for creativity with methods, or do you are feeling slightly bit hemmed in and maybe the race will endure?
KA: Yeah. I believe technique goes to be rather more easy for everybody with the 25-lap restrict. Additionally, tyre strain has elevated so which may impression the steadiness slightly bit and the way the tyre behaves. However you don’t wish to find yourself with a puncture or a tyre failing through the race as a result of it’s very painful to do a lap on three wheels. I imply, some folks have accomplished… Lewis even gained a race on three wheels, however you simply don’t need that to occur as a result of it would screw your race. So, I can perceive the priority — it’s higher to be secure than sorry. Clearly, it’s going to vary the race and the way the tyre allocation works, however aside from that, I believe the technique shall be extra easy. So in all probability it’s going to be a extra flat-out race, which isn’t a foul factor.
Q: (Samarth Kanal – The Race) Query for Ollie and Liam. What are your finest and worst performances of the season, do you assume?
OB: Okay. Yeah. Greatest — Brazil. Worst — Australia. Fairly straightforward.
LL: Mexico?
OB: Brazil, I believe.
LL: Actually? Greatest, truly, possibly Brazil as effectively or Baku. After which Australia.
Q: (Jack Smith – Motorsport Monday) One other one for you, Kimi. After the summer season break, Toto mentioned that you simply’ve naturally been put underneath lots of strain by being in such a high crew like Mercedes. Now you’ve been displaying all the shape that you simply’ve been displaying the final couple of races, do you are feeling that the crew have struck the precise steadiness in mitigating that strain and serving to you develop?
KA: Properly, for positive. Undoubtedly, being in a high crew immediately means you are underneath the highlight much more and each little motion or mistake you do is much more seen. Particularly within the tough interval, it’s been powerful. However along with the crew — the crew has by no means stopped supporting me. Finally, we had been in a position to overcome the tough second and begin constructing momentum.
Now, additionally with the expertise I’m gaining, I’m telling them my wants with the automotive and every thing, and so they’re serving to me on that aspect too. We’re constructing momentum and there’s a extremely good dynamic within the crew between me and George. We’ve been working collectively very well and that’s why I’m actually wanting ahead to the subsequent races and subsequent season.
Q: (Diletta Colombo – AutoMoto) A query for Ollie. You’ve turn out to be an increasing number of constant because the season progressed, however do you assume you’ll be prepared for an opportunity with a high crew — specifically Ferrari — if that occurs prior to later?
OB: Properly, you recognize, I’m in F1 and you must again your self. So sure, I imagine I’m prepared, however I’ve to proceed to show that. It’s not that I had 5 – 6 good races that out of the blue every thing modifications.
However I believe it’s additionally straightforward to overlook that in the midst of the season, I had a run of 4 or 5 eleventh locations in a row. In order that was additionally constant — simply not fairly ok. And we’ve gained a little bit of automotive efficiency since then. In order that eleventh place turns into a tenth, a ninth, an eighth, and that’s higher acquired by everybody. So yeah, I’ve undoubtedly improved, notably because the summer season break. I discovered a extremely good rhythm and momentum, and naturally, I’d say that I’m prepared.
PART TWO – Nico HÜLKENBERG (Kick Sauber), Carlos SAINZ (Williams), Lewis HAMILTON (Ferrari)
Q: Nico, can we begin with you, and might we begin with a clarification? When are the celebrations? The statisticians do not agree when your 250th race goes to be. Is it this weekend? Is it subsequent weekend?
Nico HÜLKENBERG: You inform me. Everytime you need! When would you like it to be?
Q: I’ve requested you the query. So, ought to we are saying it is this weekend? When are you celebrating?
NH: I believe celebrating on a race weekend is hard. Perhaps Sunday night time—hopefully Sunday night time subsequent weekend. However appears prefer it’s subsequent weekend.
Carlos SAINZ: Why is there a doubt?
NH: It is simply, you recognize, a couple of races I did however didn’t begin the race. So, it is three or 4.
Q: Wind the clock again, Nico, to 2010. While you began out on this journey, might you will have imagined 250 races?
NH: Sure and no. I believe it is one thing, you recognize, as a driver, you do not actually take into consideration a lot. You simply race, you reside within the current, you do your finest, you retain grinding, you retain displaying up. And, you recognize, it was good enjoyable. I’d do it over again. Clearly good days and unhealthy days, however all in all, an amazing trade to be in. Labored with lots of nice folks, made pals, and nonetheless having fun with myself.
Q: Greatest season?
NH: This one, after all.
Q: Can we elaborate on that? Let’s speak about 2025 and the way in which the crew has ramped up because the season’s gone on. How satisfying has that been?
NH: Yeah, it has been additionally, you recognize, with ups and downs clearly, as is common for each form of midfield crew—you will have these swings. We began on the again foot, not in the very best place, then recovered from Barcelona onwards, turned issues round, acquired a grip on the season. Clearly put in a couple of good highlights, few massive outcomes for us. All in all, I believe good progress. You are feeling like one thing is rising and cooking within the background. As a crew, I believe we have actually linked and improved on many areas, many issues. Clearly all the time extra to enhance, extra to work on, however it’s been satisfying and I look ahead to the subsequent 12 months.
Q: How has that progress you speak about modified the vibe contained in the crew?
NH: The vibe’s good. Clearly, when you will have outcomes, while you’re racing for factors, you are battling, it is a totally different feeling. Everyone seems to be pleased and engaged, and it brings a sure vibe and setting. I believe you should not overlook the place the crew got here from final yr, which was clearly a really tough season for them. And we form of labored our approach out of that slightly bit, dug ourselves out, it rewarded us with many robust races this yr and with a automotive that is aggressive within the midfield for many of the season. So, yeah, we have come a good distance and have to preserve doing what we’re doing.
Q: Carlos, one other actually robust weekend for you in Vegas. Given the place you began that race, had been you hoping for slightly bit extra come Saturday night time?
Carlos SAINZ: No, not likely. I believe ranging from P3 from a loopy qualifying, the second you recognize the race goes to be dry, the traditional factor is to go backwards—particularly if the highest automobiles are beginning subsequent to you, which was the case. I believe in Baku I used to be beginning P2, however the McLarens, the Mercedes and the Ferraris weren’t even in Q3, or they had been in the direction of the again finish of Q3. Some crashed, some had their points, and in Baku I might maintain on to the rostrum. However in Vegas, they had been beginning too near me. They’d two to 4 tenths tempo benefit, and over 50 laps that’s lots of seconds of race time that they’re going to catch in some unspecified time in the future. So, no, I used to be fairly proud of the race. I believe the second midfield automotive was fairly far behind, so I believe we did every thing we might to get the utmost factors for the crew that race.
Q: You’ve spoken previously about Qatar being probably a tough weekend. Why?
CS: Properly, it’s simply on the velocity vary the place each monitor we go to, we’re the slowest on these types of corners. It’s 150 to 200 km/h, medium-speed, high-speed corners—fourth, fifth, sixth gear. Each monitor we go to, we see the GPS information, and we are typically one of many slowest automobiles or one of many slowest groups. And in Qatar, you solely have these corners. So, until we give you one thing magical when it comes to setup that switches the automotive on for this sort of corners—which we can’t change on in different tracks—I’m afraid it’s going to be probably the most or some of the tough weekends of the season. Having mentioned that, I believe it’s an amazing alternative for the crew and for myself to study why we’re weak in this sort of corners, why our automotive doesn’t like this sort of corners, and nonetheless attempt to execute a great weekend in a tough monitor.
Q: Final one from me. Can we simply get your reflections on yr one at Williams? Have you ever exceeded your pre-season expectations?
CS: It’s a tough query. I believe expectations are all the time excessive however going into this yr I attempted to get them in test, understanding it was going to be a tough yr for me—coming clearly from a high crew, getting again into the midfield and never understanding precisely what sort of automotive Williams was going to ship for this yr. However truthfully talking, I believe if you happen to would have advised me after I signed my Williams contract again in the summertime of 2024 that this yr there can be a podium, fifth within the Constructors’—which we’re attempting to seal quickly—solely a few tenths off the highest groups in lots of tracks, one other podium in a Dash, loads of factors for each Alex and me… I believe I’d have signed even faster. So, I believe it’s a great first yr—not excellent as a result of we’ve gone by way of, like each midfield crew, lots of ups and downs. I’ve needed to readapt myself again to racing a bit extra within the midfield. And for positive, it hasn’t been an ideal yr, however we’ve had lots of good highlights and good moments, higher moments than I’d have in all probability even dreamed or wished for.
Q: Thanks, Carlos. And, Lewis, can we proceed this theme with you? How do you look again in your first season with Ferrari?
Lewis HAMILTON: I don’t. Simply look forwards.
Q: Simply speak about it slightly bit…
LH: There’s not likely a lot to say. The outcomes have proven. There are some positives to take from it, and also you simply transfer forwards.
Q: What positives can you are taking from this season?
LH: Gelled with the crew and there’s wonderful ardour throughout the crew. And simply going to give attention to subsequent yr.
Q: What’s the largest factor you’ve discovered within the final 12 months or so?
LH: In all probability simply rebounding. Simply getting again up.
Q: Can we mirror in a short time on one thing you mentioned after the race on Saturday night in Vegas about not wanting ahead to subsequent season. You’ve had a couple of days to mirror, the adrenaline is now not in your physique—do you continue to really feel the identical approach now?
LH: I believe in all probability I’d be shocked if the opposite drivers are enthusiastic about subsequent yr on the finish of a season, as a result of often you don’t have lots of vitality on the finish of a season. You’re wanting ahead to time with household and stuff. That’s actually it. However, I imply, look—that was simply within the warmth of frustration. Typically, there’s lots of frustration on the finish of the races, notably after they haven’t gone effectively. So, no, I’m excited to see what the crew construct subsequent yr and to proceed to construct on with them.
Q: If the automotive performs higher at these remaining couple of race weekends, will that change your outlook?
LH: No.
Q: What’s potential, do you assume, in Qatar this weekend?
LH: I don’t know. I believe the automotive ought to be fairly first rate within the areas that Carlos was mentioning, when it comes to velocity profile. I believe our automotive ought to be fairly good in these areas. Is perhaps arduous to maintain up with the Purple Bull, however I’m hoping for a greater weekend.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) There’s a drivers’ assembly tonight discussing driving requirements tips. As we now have three massively skilled drivers with us, one among whom celebrates his 250th grand prix subsequent week, what would you prefer to see change in these driving requirements tips that is not fairly proper in the meanwhile?
CS: I’ll go…. GPDA! I believe first, we have to sit collectively, analyse fairly a couple of of the incidents. I believe there’s been numerous division in opinion between drivers, FIA, Stewards—simply other ways to guage totally different incidents. This yr, there’s been fairly a little bit of confusion relating to a couple of of them. We have to sit collectively and undergo them and analyse them calmly, out of the warmth of the second, like we are actually on a Thursday earlier than a race and attempt to hopefully give you a greater answer for the long run. My private opinion – and right here I’m not speaking from a GPDA perspective, simply as Carlos Sainz – is that there is potential to do higher and that the rules themselves have created extra issues than options in lots of points which have occurred this yr in the way in which we decide incidents. There’s been barely any room for racing incidents this yr. It’s all the time been both white or black as a result of we have been supported by the rules, and the rules have not allowed racing incidents to be judged as racing incidents as a result of there was all the time a tyre in entrance or behind a mirror or a entrance or rear tyre—regardless of the tips say, I do not know them by coronary heart. It’s been, in that sense, not a profitable implementation of these tips. However that’s what we have to focus on that’s why we have to sit collectively and see if there’s another answer.
Q: Lewis? Nico?
LH: He answered it effectively.
NH: (no response)
Q: (Rui Chagas – DAZN Portugal) Query for Nico. We had three rookies right here simply earlier than you, and I believe it’s unanimous that they all the time say they study with their teammate and so forth. Have you ever discovered something with Gabi, as he’s a rookie as effectively, or has he helped push you all through the season?
NH: Completely. I imply, being a rookie doesn’t imply you may’t carry out otherwise you don’t know how you can drive. I imply, all of us had been rookies at one level. You’ve acquired to begin at one level in F1. And for positive, Gabi’s been very spectacular on the driving aspect—driving inputs, driving methods as effectively—it’s one thing that he is actually robust at. So to be trustworthy, there have been many factors this yr the place I discovered from him. We bounce off one another, one another’s information. Simply, yeah, completely, sure.
Q: (Tom Slafer – DAZN Spain) Query for Carlos. This weekend we now have this restrict of tyre utilization which mainly makes it a two-stopper, which is one thing that Method 1 is investigating to place sooner or later for all of the races. You can provide me your opinion or GPDA’s—no matter you like. What do you make of this technique?
CS: I believe it’s a short lived factor, this 25-lap restrict right here just for Qatar. I don’t assume it will work sooner or later to place a compelled two-stop restrict. I’ve seen some feedback saying that. I believe the races are the very best when you will have quite a lot of technique and it’s between a one and a two, or between a two and a 3. But it surely’s by no means good when it’s a compelled two-stop like we noticed in Monaco or right here a couple of years in the past, when it was nearly like a three-stopper or a four-stopper mandated. As a result of if ultimately, everybody has the identical deg, identical tyres, it’s not like you are able to do a lot with flexibility. And I believe the long run answer of F1 is having extra of quite a lot of methods that may work, relatively than a mandated variety of stops. However I believe for right here it’s simply purely reliability, and we’ll see.
Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sports activities Italy) A query for Lewis. I used to be wanting on the standings and also you and Kimi are very shut. him, you’re employed with him. How do you see his progress as an opponent this yr?
LH: Kimi? I imply, I haven’t labored with Kimi, however I’m having fun with watching him develop as a person and as a driver. I believe he’s accomplished an incredible job this yr. Significantly within the second half of the season, he’s actually stepped it up. So, I’m actually pleased to see that, and we now have an amazing relationship.
Q: (Panagiotis Seitanidis – ANT1 TV) A query for all three. We have now, in two turns forward, a brand new period for Method One. I do know you don’t have crystal balls, however what’s your intestine feeling about the place your groups shall be subsequent yr?
LH: I don’t have a intestine feeling. I don’t know. Nobody is aware of.
CS: Nobody is aware of. I’ve a great feeling. However nobody is aware of.
NH: Intestine emotions are usually not value that a lot. Hopefully a bit stronger than what we are actually, however we’ll see.
Q: (Ian Parkes – Racing Information 365) Query for you, Lewis. While you had pen in hand about to signal your Ferrari contract, if you happen to’d identified then what you recognize now and the yr that you simply’ve gone by way of, would you will have nonetheless gone for it? And in that case, why?
LH: Properly, firstly, that’s a hypothetical query, so I wouldn’t actually go into that. However I’d, completely. I don’t remorse the choice I made becoming a member of the crew. I do know it takes time to construct and develop inside an organisation, and I anticipated that. So, sure.
Q: (Jake Boxall-Legge – Autosport) Query for Carlos. You spoke concerning the driving requirements assembly. Barely existential query: do we actually want racing tips, and has there been one thing that you may pinpoint that necessitated the implementation of them?
CS: Once more, I’m going to talk as Carlos Sainz, not as GPDA right here. I’m going to provide you as trustworthy a solution as potential. I believe lately after races I’ve seen some evaluation accomplished of numerous the incidents. A few of them by Karun Chandhok, a few of them by Jolyon Palmer, a few of them by Anthony Davidson. And each time I see this evaluation that they do and the decision that they offer—from racing drivers which have been lately racing—I believe they do an excellent evaluation and so they put the blame accurately more often than not on who truly has the blame or if it’s truly only a racing incident. My future preferrred isn’t any tips and other people which can be in a position to decide these types of incidents in addition to these three folks do after the races. Once more, that is simply my opinion, however I’m fairly impressed on the job among the broadcasters do after a race with this in-depth evaluation of every of the incidents and the way they apply blame or no blame into sure eventualities. I believe that’s a stage of research and a stage of ‘stewardness’, if you wish to name it that approach, that I believe could be very excessive stage. In all probability doesn’t imply we’ll agree 100% on the instances that these three ex-drivers give, however I believe lots of occasions, they’re very shut—90%, let’s say, right. And if I needed to go and see Method 1 sooner or later on the stewarding stage, this is kind of the extent that I’d respect.
Q: Carlos, if there have been no tips, wouldn’t it change your strategy—you being drivers, I imply?
CS: That is the place I get misplaced. Like, I don’t know if we’d like tips or not. I simply say that after I see these folks taking the time to analyse this type of incident as a driver—after I see how they do it, the language they communicate, how they clarify it, and clearly the background they should make this evaluation—I actually really feel like they understood what occurred in that incident, and the judgement they take. This doesn’t imply that the stewards don’t do a great job. It simply implies that what I see after the race from these folks is definitely a really excessive stage that I believe, with out tips, they’d have the ability to decide every determination accurately. And there wouldn’t be a bias or something like that.
Q: (Samarth Kanal – The Race) A query for all three of you. This floor impact period is attending to an finish. It’s acquired some inherent traits like understeer in low-speed corners and issues like that. So have you ever loved driving this period of automobiles? And are you able to say good riddance, or is it a tragic farewell?
LH: Yeah, I believe we’re all excited to see the again finish of those ones for positive.
CS: Identical. I had a wrestle with them in 2022 adapting to this technology, and I’ve had a bit extra success in a while adapting to it, however it’s not in my nature to drive these automobiles the way in which I’ve to drive them. I truly needed to relearn a few totally different abilities that I didn’t know I would want to drive a Method 1 automotive. And I’m glad it’s over, and hopefully subsequent yr I can return to a extra pure driving type.
NH: I believe a bit extra impartial for me. I don’t thoughts it. I believe simply the next, notably this yr, has actually turn out to be very, very unhealthy. However in any other case—I imply, bit heavy, sure—however in quali, they’re fairly fast. So, I don’t thoughts it.
Q: (Luke Smith – The Athletic) Lewis, selecting up in your point out of the fervour you felt throughout the crew this yr. Is that one of many brightest factors, do you assume, by way of your first season with Ferrari? And the reference to the Tifosi as effectively—have you ever discovered that have, even by way of fairly a troublesome yr on monitor?
LH: Yeah. The fervour is probably the most particular factor concerning the model and the those who work for it. After which the Tifosi—as we journey world wide, the wonderful assist that we get. I believe that in all probability makes it even more durable when we now have the tougher weekends as a result of you may see how passionate, how devoted, and the way arduous each single individual is working again on the manufacturing facility, and the outcomes are usually not reflecting or rewarding them. So, you are feeling it extra. It’s a giant emotional bubble that’s fairly valuable.
Q: (Diletta Colombo – AutoMoto) A query for Lewis. 2026 is filled with unknowns, as you mentioned earlier than. However do you assume that Ferrari might flip a brand new leaf so far as the execution and cohesion throughout the crew are involved?
LH: I undoubtedly assume there’s… We have now lots of work to do, for positive, over winter. We’ll analyse the season. There are many enhancements we have to make collectively, however I believe nobody’s underneath any phantasm within the crew that all of us should play our half. And I imagine that we are able to. So, yeah, I’m hoping we implement and make these modifications, together with hopefully a greater package deal subsequent yr.
Q: (Leonid Kliuev – Grande Prêmio) Another for Lewis. Are you involved concerning the distinction in outcomes with Charles? We could say the automotive is far stronger subsequent yr. How assured are you you could outperform Charles in that rather more rewarding state of affairs?
LH: I’m not involved about it. No. In fact, I’ve simply been specializing in my aspect throughout this era. Clearly, Charles has accomplished an amazing job. He’s been there for seven years. He’s acquired a crew round him that he’s labored with for a few years. So, it’s a well-oiled machine. On my aspect, it’s a brand new group of individuals. For me, it’s a brand new setting that I’m nonetheless getting used to working with. Then I had one other new member midway by way of the yr. So, we’re all working as arduous as we are able to, however getting that to work in addition to somebody that’s had it for a number of years just isn’t—you don’t simply do it like that. It takes a little bit of time.
Q: (Dzhastina Golopolosova – F1Maximaal.nl) Another for Nico. Helmut Marko as soon as mentioned that you may have been Max Verstappen’s teammate, however Perez’s victory in Bahrain modified every thing. Have you ever ever imagined what Method 1 would appear to be with Verstappen and Hülkenberg at Purple Bull?
NH: Not likely, as a result of, you recognize, I’m not likely the dreamer kind. It will be totally different, however, you recognize, it didn’t occur. I had a couple of shut misses, however on the finish of the day, they don’t matter. They don’t rely. I’m the place I’m and what occurred, occurred.
Q: You are not a dreamer, however how shut did it get, that Purple Bull deal?
NH: Properly, not shut sufficient, clearly.
Q: Whereas I’ve acquired you, Nico, can we simply speak Constructors’ Championship? Sauber presently P9, however you’re solely—what’s it—5 factors behind Haas in P7. It’s a transitional yr for the crew, however how vital is that P7?
NH: Properly, it’s vital for all of them—with Aston and with Haas. We’re in that combat. Two to go, clearly dash right here. Everybody needs to do in addition to they’ll. Identical guidelines apply. Clearly, we’ll all do our greatest and see who comes out the place.
Q: (Ian Parkes – Racing Information 365) Carlos, you talked about how a lot you get pleasure from listening to the analysts on the assorted broadcast channels. Do you are feeling it will take a driver with a more moderen racing mindset, let’s assume, to be a consultant on the stewards’ panel going ahead in comparison with among the older technology which can be representatives on there now?
CS: Properly, I believe I should be very cautious with this. I do assume there’s older technology those who do an excellent job with the stewarding. I don’t wish to title any names. I don’t wish to be private with anybody. However I do assume there’s folks on the market doing a really first rate job. The one factor I say—and I insist that I don’t wish to get into an excessive amount of evaluation right here—is that after I hear these folks, these younger ex-racing drivers doing evaluation, they communicate lots of sense. After I learn and I say, “If we might have two or three of those judging our racing incidents or our penalties,” I believe more often than not these folks wouldn’t want tips. They’d be very trustworthy and really correct in taking among the conclusions that we would want them to take. So, I put it on the market as an concept. Clearly, these days, to come back to 24 races, in all probability you additionally want a set wage. You want the job to be comparatively vital as a result of it takes lots of trip of your life. So, we have to have a look at how you can set up that. However once more, I don’t wish to get into an excessive amount of evaluation right here. I simply wish to say that after I take time to see these again—possibly two days after I’m going dwelling and it comes up in social media, these folks making the evaluation—I’m like, I see it precisely the identical approach. And I believe many of the drivers see it in a really comparable approach. So, it’s an concept.
ENDS
