Hamilton "not particularly happy with balance of the car" after FP2 in Bahrain

Despite topping both practice sessions in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton wasn't particularly pleased with the balance of his Mercedes car. Two weeks on from winning his seventh consecutive F1 title, the Brit leads the rest of the field. 

Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas are both chasing the 35-year-old after the first day in Bahrain. Straight after the evening session, Hamilton suggested his mechanics have some work to do ahead of FP3. 

"Great to be back out [in Bahrain]. But today was like a test day so it wasn't my favourite. From my side, we're not particularly happy with the balance of the car. But the track is quite slippy, quite dusty. The track works the tyres completely different to other tracks. We've definitely got some work to do. Overheating is always an issue," Hamilton told Sky Sports after the session. 

The new tyres

During practice, teams and drivers were given some of next season's Pirelli tyres. But Hamilton wasn't necessarily a fan.

"Oh god. I'm trying my hardest not to say anything! What I want to say is that weekend in, weekend out every year we have a team from Pirelli who I have a lot of respect for. They have an amazing job," Hamilton added. 

"They've had two years now to develope a new tyre and we've arrived with a tyre that is three kilos heavier. We're working with brands and partners who are at the forefront at technology and moving us forward. If we're going back after years of development I don't know whats happening. It doesn't feel good out there and I'd prefer to stay on this tyre if that's all they've got," Hamilton concluded.