That "secret test" (on a motorcycle) by Lewis Hamilton that angered Mercedes
Today at 08:07 AM
A "secret test" on a motorcycle: this is how Lewis Hamilton angered Mercedes shortly after winning his fifth F1 title. The Briton is well-known for his love of motorcycling. In 2019, there was the famous swap with Valentino Rossi, who let the newly crowned Ferrari driver try his Yamaha YZR-M1 in exchange for the W08. In more recent times, his name has been linked to at least two MotoGP teams.
F1 drivers, often driven by an insatiable passion, are always looking for new challenges. Max Verstappen frequently tests new race cars, whether prototypes or GTs. Fernando Alonso has already experienced Endurance and IndyCar firsthand. Lewis Hamilton, however, has his sights set on the world of motorcycling.
Few remember that before the renowned swap with Valentino Rossi, Lewis Hamilton had already taken to the track on two wheels. In 2018, at Jerez, he participated in a private test with Crescent Racing, accompanied by Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes. Years later, Toto Wolff revealed a specific anecdote about that "secret" session.
Toto Wolff: "I called Hamilton and was told he had fallen"
Speaking on the *Armchair Expert* podcast, Toto Wolff explained that he wasn't present in Valencia for the event with Valentino Rossi but had given his permission for it to be organized: "[I wasn't there], but I had to give permission. So, I did, and I think both of them enjoyed it very much. Lewis is like the annoying kid in school who does everything well and quickly." – the Mercedes team boss pointed out.
"I'll tell you a story. Secretly, without telling me, they went to test at Jerez. One of my strategy leaders, a motorbike enthusiast and engineer, was unreachable for two days. When I called Lewis, his engineer answered and said, 'Everything is fine; we just finished riding bikes, and whatever you hear, he's okay.'"
"I asked what had happened: he had fallen. But he was only four seconds off the MotoGP professionals. Incredible. The sensations he gets from his body are what make him a champion."
Source: f1ingenerale
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