Lewis Hamilton said he was confused and frustrated after seeing Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s big performance gap in qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix.
He suggested that if Mercedes’ advantage comes from a technical loophole in the engine rules rather than genuine power, it would be disappointing that the sport’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, allowed that to happen.
Hamilton said he hopes Mercedes’ pace is just down to pure power and not a rule‑book issue, but if it is a loophole, he’ll push his own team to find similar gains.
He also warned that if Mercedes holds that advantage for several races before the FIA tightens checks, the championship could be heavily affected.