Lewis Hamilton gives F1 pundit fright by pulling him up during pre-Bahrain GP interview | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton jokingly ‘pulled up’ journalist and F1 TV presenter Lawrence Barretto ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, quizzing the pundit over his pre-season predictions. 

The seven-time world champion qualified ninth on the grid after a promising set of free practice sessions but was still feeling in high spirits ahead of Saturday’s race given his decision to prioritise a race pace set-up over one-lap speed. 

Chatting during the pre-race drivers’ parade, Hamilton was asked: « Lewis it’s great to see Mercedes this year with a car that hopefully you can kind of attack and move forward [with]. 

« I know you’re maybe not too far up the grid or where you’d like to be, but are you excited about the prospects of what you can achieve from ninth today? »

Instead of answering the question, Hamilton donned a serious look and replied: « Yeah let me pull you up on something. You rated me pretty low on the predictions. »

The Mercedes star then burst out laughing, telling Barretto: « I’m messing with you… just putting you on the spot! » He then turned to the camera and added: « You should see his face! »

The 39-year-old has been feeling more optimistic all weekend as he prepares for his final season as a Mercedes driver. Hamilton will join Ferrari at the end of the 2024 campaign, bringing an end to a 12-year partnership with the Silver Arrows. 

Addressing his thoughts ahead of the Bahrain GP, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: « It was not great [in qualifying]. But I was genuinely really excited to be here. 

« I think George’s position and pace really highlights, and is a real testament to the team, how hard everyone has worked over winter. It’s amazing to have a car we can fight with.

« It really unites the fire and flame within us drivers. For me, Bono and everyone did a great job, and I struggled in qualifying today. Yesterday, was really good. Me and George were on the same set-ups but he went left and I went right. Right was definitely not good for a single lap but I felt more comfortable with more fuel, so I hope that reflects tomorrow.

« I’ve definitely sacrificed more than I hoped to and I hope it pays off tomorrow. It’s a lot of work to do to get past all those quick cars ahead of me but it will be fun. »