P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes driver has admitted that he does not like taking part in test days in the past, and revealed that he once faked an illness to get out of one.
Lewis Hamilton confessed that he once pretended to be sick in order to avoid participating in Formula 1 tests. Many drivers have expressed their dislike for tests, mainly because they can be tedious and time-consuming at circuits. In-season testing is now limited in F1 to cut costs, with the focus primarily on tire manufacturer Pirelli. However, teams can also take part in filming days, which have a limit of 200km and serve as marketing and commercial opportunities. During the Mercedes post-season debrief, Hamilton, along with Team Principal Toto Wolff and reserve driver Mick Schumacher, mentioned that he had previously feigned illness to skip test days, as he simply does not enjoy them. Hamilton also recalled a time in 2015 when he missed test duties due to illness, leading to Pascal Wehrlein substituting for him at the pre-season test at Circuit de Catalunya.
