Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after the Monaco Grand Prix, expressing disappointment with his performance and a lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver, who looked strong in practice, struggled to translate that pace into qualifying, leaving him with a lowly P7 starting position. Stuck behind former rival Max Verstappen and unable to overtake in the tight confines of Monaco, Hamilton’s race was a procession.
“I wouldn’t say that it was encouraging,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 when asked about Mercedes’ late-race pace. “The signs of performance this weekend have been encouraging, and that’s three races in a row we’ve brought upgrades. That’s really positive to see, bit by bit we’ve got drips coming through and hopefully in the next race I’ll have the front wing too.”
However, Hamilton’s optimism seemed to falter when discussing the upcoming race in Montreal. “I’m excited to go to Canada,” he said, before quickly adding, “I wouldn’t say I’m excited about the prospect of racing there.”
Interviewer Natalie Pinkham attempted to inject some positivity, but Hamilton remained downbeat. “I don’t see a lot different…” he trailed off. “I’ll go to Canada and as always give my absolute everything, and it’s good to see the team are bringing performance.”
Hamilton’s comments suggest a driver struggling for confidence despite positive developments with the Mercedes car. Whether he can turn his mood around before Canada remains to be seen.