F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton troubled by speed difference between F1's cars

Lewis Hamilton says the gap in pace between Formula 1's front runners and the rest of the field is a "serious" problem for the sport.

The Mercedes driver is stating the obvious, and reminding everyone of a problem that has lingered in F1 for many years, but the Brit insists the issue is compounded by the difficulty to overtake.

"As you get within five seconds, you immediately feel the effect of the turbulent air," said the leader of the world championship.

"The other guys are doing their own races so they don't want to slow down much for you. I was stuck behind the Toro Rossos and just couldn't get close to them," Hamilton added.

"It's a difficult situation. The difference in speed between the cars is too much. It's a serious problem for our sport."

Hamilton reiterated his sadness to see former top teams Williams and McLaren stranded at the back of the field, insisting their presence there only further demonstrates a need to revamp the rules.

"How can Williams and McLaren be three seconds behind? It's too much," said Hamilton.

"We need to change the rules to reduce these speed differences, and then we'll get great races like we see in MotoGP."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Williams explain power trick that could define F1 in 2026

Formula 1’s next generation of cars will not just look different – they will sound…

5 hours ago

Williams FW48 finally hits the track at Silverstone after delay

Williams finally rolled its long-awaited FW48 onto the track at Silverstone on Wednesday, trading weeks…

6 hours ago

Horner weighs in on explosive 2026 F1 engine controversy

Christian Horner has waded into Formula 1’s latest technical storm, addressing the growing controversy over…

7 hours ago

Newey: AI has been shaping F1 ‘for a long time’

Aston Martin’s chief architect and team principal Adrian Newey believes Formula 1’s latest buzzword is…

9 hours ago

Norris gets a pole-position welcome at old primary school

Fresh from pre-season testing and with a world title now stitched onto his racing overalls,…

10 hours ago

Two on the trot for Laffite and Ligier in Brazil

On this day in 1979, Jacques Laffite won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos as…

11 hours ago