McLaren took centre stage at the FIA press conference after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
However, Lewis Hamilton, who finished third in the race to claim his 200th F1 podium, provided one of the most interesting answers of the session.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced most of the questions, but Hamilton was the clear winner given how McLaren handled their late strategy decisions in Budapest. Recent Reports F1’s governing body has announced it is considering adding cooling systems to cars. The news comes after a combination of high temperatures and tyre restrictions pushed drivers to their limits at last season’s Qatar Grand Prix. Logan Sargent retired from the race due to conditions exacerbated by an illness he suffered earlier last week, and Esteban Ocon admitted to vomiting in his helmet during the race.
Other drivers, including Sargent’s teammate Alexander Albon, were also treated for heat stroke after the race.
Hamilton was asked about reports that the FIA was considering adding cooling units and, interestingly, the veteran driver denied the idea.
“Firstly, I didn’t know that, and secondly, there’s no need to do that,” Hamilton said. “This is F1, it’s always been like this. It’s tough in these circumstances, and we’re highly paid athletes,” the Mercedes driver continued. “And then finally we have to train like crazy to be able to withstand the heat, and it’s tough, especially when you go to places like Qatar and Singapore, it’s not easy.”
“But I don’t think you need air conditioning in your car.”
F1 drivers are used to pushing themselves to the limit and with that in mind, Hamilton’s reaction makes sense. Hamilton’s Training Program Hamilton has become a legend in the world of F1. The seven-time champion enjoys weightlifting, but more muscle means more weight, which is a drawback in F1. Hamilton balances strength training with high-altitude cross-country skiing and Muay Thai. He has also set up residence in Mexico, where he does Muay Thai in the mornings and surfing and Pilates in the afternoons. He also switched to a vegan diet in 2018 to boost his energy levels.
But the FIA may see this as more of a safety issue than anything else: a driver nearly losing consciousness in the cockpit during a race is a dangerous situation, and the last thing the sport needs to see is a multiple accident caused by a driver losing consciousness from heat stroke.
