Lewis Hamilton recently expressed his desire to see Formula 1 bring back manual gearboxes and gravel traps, calling them important aspects of “old school” racing that he feels could enhance the excitement and challenge of modern F1. This sentiment came after Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna’s iconic 1990 McLaren MP4/5B in Brazil, a car featuring the traditional H-pattern manual gearbox, fulfilling a lifelong dream of his. Driving Senna’s car in wet conditions at Interlagos allowed Hamilton to experience firsthand the skill required for a manual gearbox, which he found exhilarating compared to the paddle-shift systems used in current F1 cars.
Reflecting on the experience, Hamilton described driving with a manual gearbox as a “greatest honor,” contrasting it with the current two-pedal setup in Formula 1, which he feels lacks excitement. Hamilton reminisced about the days when drivers relied on heel-and-toe braking techniques with manual transmissions, requiring more intricate footwork and greater control. Although left-foot braking is now the standard, he admitted he missed the challenge and complexity of the older systems and wished for a return of the H-pattern gearbox to modern F1, feeling it would add an extra layer of engagement for drivers and fans alike.
Beyond gearboxes, Hamilton commented on how the track environments have shifted toward favoring large asphalt run-off areas instead of gravel traps. He explained that in the early 2000s, drivers had to be more cautious when approaching limits since going off-track usually meant ending up in the gravel. This added a sense of risk that demanded precision and a gradual buildup of skill. Now, with extensive run-off zones, younger drivers can push harder with less fear of consequence, which Hamilton believes has made the sport less challenging in some ways.
Hamilton sees this change in track design as one of the most significant differences in F1’s evolution, mentioning that current drivers can often push their limits without the immediate penalties that gravel traps once posed. He noted that drivers like Max Verstappen and other newer talents have had the advantage of learning F1 without the constant threat of losing control in gravel. In contrast, earlier generations, like Fernando Alonso’s, faced more immediate repercussions for mistakes, which he believes honed their skills differently and made the sport more intense.
While Hamilton acknowledges that gravel traps might not align with current safety standards, he suggested that bringing back some elements of this “old school” approach could improve the sport’s balance between safety and challenge. Though he recognizes safety as a priority, he expressed a wish for reintroducing gravel traps in certain areas if it could be done without compromising driver safety. Hamilton’s comments reveal a nostalgia for a version of F1 that he believes fostered both technical mastery and respect for the limits of each track.
