Hamilton: driving Ferrari’s F1 car Is like dancing without rhythm
Lewis Hamilton Criticizes Ferrari’s Struggling SF-23 Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton didn’t hold back his assessment of Ferrari’s struggling 2023 Formula 1 car after a lackluster performance in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion likened the experience of driving the car to attempting to dance with someone who has no rhythm—a playful but pointed criticism of the SF-23's performance this season.
“This car... it’s like someone that can’t dance,” Hamilton quipped to Canal+ on Saturday. “Someone that has no rhythm, you know? Trying to get someone that doesn’t have rhythm to have rhythm, it’s very, very difficult. That’s how it feels with this car.”
Ferrari’s Underwhelming Qualifying
Hamilton managed to secure fifth place in qualifying, with teammate Charles Leclerc further back in eighth, as Ferrari once again appeared unable to challenge the front-runners. The Scuderia entered the season with optimism, buoyed by Hamilton’s high-profile arrival, which many believed would be the key to breaking their championship drought of 15 years. However, hope has quickly given way to frustration, as the once-mighty Italian outfit has struggled to keep pace with rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.
Ferrari, despite its setbacks, still holds the second spot in the constructors’ championship standings, thanks to the sporadic flashes of brilliance from both drivers. But with the team far removed from the title fight, questions about leadership and development have arisen.
Hamilton Defends Vasseur Amid Rumors
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton passionately defended Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who has faced mounting speculation about his future with the team. Italian media reports suggested the Frenchman may be facing the ax, but Hamilton dismissed the rumors, standing firmly behind the boss he joined in Maranello.
“There’s been a lot of unfair noise recently," Hamilton said earlier in the week. "We know the journey we’re on won’t be easy, but Fred [Vasseur] is the right man to lead us through it. Change isn’t instantaneous.”
Vasseur also addressed the reports, criticizing the Italian press for undermining Ferrari’s efforts to rebuild into a championship-contending team. “These kinds of stories weaken us when we should be focused on getting stronger,” he said of the rumors.
Leclerc’s Turbulent Canadian GP Weekend
Charles Leclerc’s Canadian Grand Prix weekend has been turbulent, highlighted by his crash in Friday’s first practice session. The incident forced him to miss the second session while his team worked to replace the chassis of his car. Despite the setback, the Monegasque driver managed to recover to qualify in eighth, although he’ll face a tough task to climb through the field on race day.
Ferrari’s Search for Rhythm Continues
As Ferrari continues to search for answers, expectations for a swift turnaround remain tempered. For the moment, Hamilton and the team will have to settle for making the most of what he has described as a car lacking in "rhythm." Meanwhile, fans and pundits alike are left to wonder when—or if—the dancing in Maranello will ever find its beat again.
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