Mercedes F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been seen along with his left hand on the highest of the steering wheel, sparking debate about why he makes use of a method not seen by the opposite drivers on the grid
Picture: (Picture: Getty))
Formulation One followers have simply begun to note Lewis Hamilton ’s weird steering wheel approach – and his Mercedes mechanic has sought to elucidate the thriller.
F1 followers have adopted the British racing legend’s journey for 17 years, throughout which period he has received a record-equalling seven world championships. However even essentially the most eagle-eyed of his supporters might have missed one among his recurring racing tendencies, which is that he doesn’t maintain the handles on his steering wheel with each arms.
As a substitute, the quickly to be Ferrari star has his left hand on the high of the wheel firstly of races. His hand place turns into unmissable when you discover it and is exclusive amongst drivers on the grid, with even team-mate George Russell not utilizing the identical first lap gear shift holding preparations.
A Mercedes mechanic lastly sought to elucidate the unusual approach final 12 months after a lot hypothesis on social media. And his reasoning – which rapidly went viral – was recorded whereas taking followers on a tour of the Mercedes pit.
Adopting the identical grip as Hamilton, the mechanic stated: “Are you aware why Lewis begins like that? Why? What do you assume?
“Is he exhibiting you one thing? Or is holding (the downshift gear paddle) so he cannot go down a gear. As a result of what you do not need to do is by accident go down a gear so When you put your hand there, you may’t go down a gear.”
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Picture:
Sky Sports activities F1)
One of many ideas for Hamilton’s resolution is that he favours a smaller gear shifting paddle to that of his fellow drivers and might be extra liable to the aforementioned concern.
It’s price noting that the 39-year-old veteran has not at all times carried out this system, nevertheless. It was first seen in the course of the 2021 season, the place Hamilton misplaced the championship in the course of the closing race of the season to Max Verstappen in massively controversial circumstances.
His distinctive steering wheel grip was once more seen firstly of the Belgian Grand Prix final month. He completed in first place for the second time this season after team-mate Russell was disqualified attributable to his automotive being beneath the minimal required weight on the finish of the race.
Hamilton will hope for related success on the Dutch Grand Prix right now to be able to shut the hole on these above him within the drivers’ championship. However will probably be no straightforward feat, with Purple Bull rival and championship chief Verstappen having received all three of the Zandvoort races since 1985.
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