Hamilton: Flexi-wing clampdown ‘a waste of everyone’s money’

Lewis Hamilton strongly criticised Formula 1’s latest technical clampdown on flexi-wings, calling it “a waste of money” after the regulation change had no noticeable effect on the competitive order during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The FIA introduced stricter front-wing load tests at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya amid speculation that the change could disrupt teams running flexible aero components – particularly championship leaders McLaren.

But with team papaya’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris locking out the front row in dominant fashion, Hamilton was quick to point out the futility of the clampdown.

“What a waste of money”

After qualifying fifth – equaling his best Saturday result with the Scuderia – Hamilton didn’t hold back when asked for his assessment of the flexi-wing directive’s impact.

“The balance is definitely not as nice as what we had before. It hasn't made any [difference to the leaders],” commented the seven-time world champion.

“What a waste of money, it's just wasted everyone's money. It's literally changed nothing. Everyone's bent wings still bend, it is just half the bending, and everyone's had to make new wings, and spend more money to make these. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Hamilton also took a moral stance, suggesting that the funds could have been put to far better use.

“The sport should be giving that money to charity,” he added.

Despite the regulatory tightening, Hamilton admitted he never truly expected the pecking order to shift drastically.

“No I didn’t,” he replied when asked if he was expecting a shake-up. “I drove it on the simulator and it was pretty much exactly the same, a little more oversteer in the high-speed.”

McLaren “Untouchable” As Ferrari Chase Podium Potential

Although Hamilton narrowly beat teammate Charles Leclerc for just the second time this season in qualifying, he conceded that McLaren is well out of Ferrari’s reach at this stage.

“Yeah [they’re untouchable]. It’s an amazing job they’ve done,” he said.

“[To] me it’s half a second, but to the guys in front it is three tenths. It’s not an insurmountable amount that you could catch up, but for example, a lot of work, months, went into developing and getting a tenth of performance.

“We don’t have half a second coming, that’s for sure, which is what I would need to topple them.”

Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton hopes strategy and tyre management can help him claim his first podium for Ferrari.

"I'm looking forward to it. I got a bit of a long run yesterday. It will be close between everybody. It's amazing how close everybody is. Half a tenth can put you from sixth to 11th,” he told Sky Sports F1.

"The long run will be challenging for everybody. Most people have softs and one medium. Charles and a couple others have two mediums.

"Which tyres are the best? Which strategy is the best? The key will be getting a good start. My goal is to try and get a podium. I've not had one for God knows how long."

With conditions set to be demanding and margins razor-thin, Hamilton will need a clean race and smart execution if he is to convert his top-five grid spot into a long-awaited podium finish.

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