Lewis Hamilton, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, playfully engaged with journalist and F1 TV presenter Lawrence Barretto, teasing him about his pre-season predictions.
Despite qualifying ninth on the grid, Hamilton maintained high spirits, focusing on his decision to prioritize race pace over one-lap speed.
During the pre-race drivers’ parade, Hamilton was asked about his excitement regarding Mercedes’ prospects for the race.
Instead of a direct response, Hamilton adopted a serious tone, “Yeah let me pull you up on something.
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“You rated me pretty low on the predictions,” he said to Barretto, before bursting into laughter, clarifying, “I’m messing with you… just putting you on the spot!”
He then jokingly pointed out Barretto’s reaction to the camera, adding to the light-hearted moment.
Amid preparations for his final season with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton expressed optimism.
Reflecting on qualifying, he acknowledged the challenges but emphasized his excitement for the race.
Hamilton praised teammate George Russell’s performance, highlighting the team’s collective effort over the winter.
Despite personal struggles in qualifying, Hamilton remained confident in the team’s potential.
Hamilton’s anticipation for the race stemmed from the unity and determination within the team.
He acknowledged the work done by his engineer, Bono, and the team, expressing hope that his sacrifices would pay off.
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While recognizing the difficulty of overtaking faster cars ahead, Hamilton looked forward to the challenge.
Hamilton’s jovial interaction with Barretto provided a glimpse into his relaxed demeanor amidst the competitive atmosphere of Formula 1.
As he navigates his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton’s focus remains on maximizing performance while enjoying the journey.