In the midst of getting ready for his last season with Mercedes before moving to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton conveyed optimism. Prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton playfully engaged with journalist and F1 TV presenter Lawrence Barretto, teasing him about his predictions for the pre-season. Despite qualifying ninth on the grid, Hamilton maintained a positive attitude, prioritizing 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 giving a direct response, Hamilton took on a serious tone and addressed Barretto’s low rating of him in the predictions, before bursting into laughter and clarifying that he was just joking. He even jokingly pointed out Barretto’s reaction to the camera, adding to the lighthearted moment.
Hamilton expressed optimism as he prepared for his final season with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025. Reflecting on the qualifying session, he acknowledged the challenges but emphasized his excitement for the upcoming race. Hamilton praised his teammate George Russell’s performance and highlighted the collective effort of the team during the winter. Despite facing personal struggles in qualifying, Hamilton remained confident in the team’s potential. His anticipation for the race was fueled by the unity and determination within the team. He recognized the hard work of his engineer, Bono, and the entire team, expressing hope that their sacrifices would be rewarded.
While acknowledging the difficulty of overtaking faster cars ahead, Hamilton eagerly looked forward to the challenge. His playful interaction with Barretto offered a glimpse into his relaxed demeanor amidst the competitive atmosphere of Formula 1. As he navigates through his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton’s main focus remains on maximizing performance while enjoying the journey.