The trophy robots were introduced in F1 during the Styrian GP trophy presentation, adhering to social distancing protocols. But Lewis Hamilton is not fond of it, and let his feelings known.
The two Mercedes’ drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have differing views of the new system in place for trophy presentations. The system in discussion sees large remote-controlled boxes delivering the trophies to the drivers and constructors’ representative.
But Hamilton, who comfortably won the Styrian GP, is not a fan of the “weird” trophy robots. Speaking to Autosport, he had this to say.
“I thought it was weird. I’d have preferred them just to throw it to me or something.
“The boxes arriving with the trophy, it just feels odd. Definitely a bit OTT (over-the-top) in my view, since everyone here has been tested, and wears gloves and all that kind of stuff.”
Also read: First ever-black woman in a F1 podium at the Styrian Grand Prix
His teammate Valtteri Bottas did not share his views on it.
“I think it’s pretty cool. I saw them already in the F3 or F2 race, I saw that you know drivers have to go and pick it up from the robots. Standard podium, it just comes to your hand, so it’s pretty cool.”
Lewis Hamilton misses the fans’ atmosphere in races
Lewis also spoke about how it feels to race without the presence of spectators in the grandstands.
“In all honesty, it’s a really, really weird time.
“Whilst you’re in the work zone, everything seems normal, and when you’re driving and you’re racing, at this particular track, there’s quite a big distance between the grandstands, the fans, so it’s not as easy to see them, particularly on the infield section.”
“It really, really hit me, when I came out at the end there, when you get out of the car, and no atmosphere.
“You miss the fans. It just shows how the fans make a big difference. I really, really missed it for that moment.
