F1 lost it's spirit without the fans in 2020 - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 lost its spirit this year as drivers competed in front of silent, empty grandstands

Fans were only in attendance at Mugello, Sochi, the Nürburgring and Portimão while at a few tracks grandstands were occasionally partially filled by key workers when it was deemed safe to do so.

Even when spectators were permitted entry, it was in vastly reduced numbers. As Hamilton explained, drivers certainly noticed their absence.

“There’s been an empty feeling when the fans haven’t been there," said Hamilton. "Formula 1 is just not the same.

“When you come down the pit straight and you see the fans there normally, and now you come around and there’s no-one there, it’s just not the same. It’s lost the spirit I think.

“The spirit is the people and the fans and I’ve really, really missed that this year.

“The energy that you guys give, I don’t think people realise just how unbelievable the light and the energy you guys have and project.

"It’s electrifying and it’s contagious and this year we’ve not had that so we’ve had to try to substitute it with something else which is not as good."

F1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn warned recently Covid-19 will not disappear in the new year. He commented: "We’re going to have another year undoubtedly of having to be super-diligent and apply the protocols again."

Accepting the difficulties involved in bringing fans back to circuits, Hamilton added: “I really hope that next year, I hope this thing gets out of our way as soon as possible so we can get back to coming together, going to festivals and doing the races, coming together and being in a positive bubble.”

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