Lewis Hamilton once called one aspect of the Bahrain Grand Prix a complete ‘waste’, ‘horrible to drive…’

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Lewis Hamilton is one of the most outspoken individuals in Formula 1 and always stands up for what he believes is the right cause.

The Brit is a Ferrari driver in 2025 and racing without a Mercedes engine for the first time in his 18-year career.

Hamilton has suffered a tricky start to the season, but did manage to take his first victory in red with a sprint race win at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Eighth in the drivers’ championship after three races is a modest return, but he’s learning a new car, language and team at the age of 39. It’s nothing short of impressive.

Hamilton will test four Ferrari updates as the team chases extra performance following their tough start to the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hamilton was involved in an unforgettable Bahrain moment back in 2014 when he and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg battled on track. He hasn’t always been so fond of the circuit, though.

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Lewis Hamilton once said driving at the Bahrain Grand Prix in the daytime was ‘horrible’

Hamilton’s 2017 triumph over Sebastian Vettel – his fourth title at the time, was one of the hardest-fought battles for a crown he has ever had.

Arriving at the third race of the season, the Brit was not pleased to be spending time on track in Bahrain during the daytime. He felt it was so unrepresentative that it was a ‘waste’.

“It’s always weird, I don’t know why we have FP1 where every time we have it, but it’s at the worst time of day, because it’s so hot, 60-degree track, it’s kind of a waste of a session, really,” he told Motorsport.com.

“We go out, it’s so hard on the car, it’s not a problem for us drivers but it’s tough on the tyres. It’s horrible to drive, it’s not fun, the tyres are melting and you’re sliding around with no grip.

“You put a chocolate bar on the track, it would melt in a minute and that’s what it’s like for the tyres. You don’t really learn anything, because then you go into FP2 and it’s completely different.”

READ MORE: He is the F1 driver who once accused Lewis Hamilton of being ‘completely lost’ after winning just a single race

How did Lewis Hamilton perform at the 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton had every reason to complain at the 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix after he qualified second behind teammate Valtteri Bottas.

In the race, Vettel outsmarted him with a timely pitstop under the safety car which earned him a slight advantage. It was one his title rival could not claw back.

Hamilton would have the last laugh that season, as he ran away with the title as Ferrari struggled with reliability and development.

He would only finish lower than fifth twice all year, including at the Mexico City Grand Prix where he suffered a lap one puncture in a fight with Vettel. Ninth would be enough to secure a fourth crown that day.