People are just noticing Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique as F1 mechanic gives explanation
F1 fans have just noticed Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique which has prompted a Mercedes mechanic to give an explanation.
Most drivers take a more conventional grip on their steering wheel but eagle-eyed fans on Twitter have noticed that Hamilton places his left hand over his steering wheel.
An F1 enthusiast on Twitter said: “I don’t think much has been said about this, but Hamilton’s first lap gear shift holding arrangements are unique.
“No other driver adopts this position – not even his team-mate.”
In response to the tweet, fans that were given a tour of the Mercedes pit showed a video where his unconventional grip is explained.
The mechanic says: “Do you know why Lewis starts like that?
“Why? What do you think?
“Is he showing you something? Or is he holding [the lower gear paddle] so he can’t go down a gear.
“If you put your hand there, you can’t go down a gear.”
Hamilton uses this grip only at the start of races, where shifting up the gears is vital – he then returns to a conventional grip.
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Hamilton is the only driver currently using this grip, and it is apparently because he favours a much thinner shift paddle compared to other drivers.
It is a recent change in technique for Hamilton, with the driver only adopting the grip during the 2020/21 season.
Hamilton placed third in Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix behind Fernando Alonso in second and Max Verstappen in first.
Verstappen is running away with the drivers championship, sitting 69 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.
His win in Canada saw him match Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins.