Hamilton reveals favourite 'era' of F1 cars

Lewis Hamilton has revealed which 'era' for Formula 1 car has been his favourite to drive.

The seven-time World Champion has been in F1 since the 2007 season, which was just after the switch from V10 to V8 engines was made for the cars.

The cars changed significantly in 2009 when there was more of a focus put on overtaking, which eventually coincided with the switch to hybrid engines in 2014.

Hamilton would come into his own when the switch to record-breaking 2017 cars happened, taking four titles in a row before the current generation of cars was introduced in 2022.

But there is one specific era of car that Hamilton favours over the rest when asked by fans, having had the chance to drive his idol's car when he was racing for McLaren.

"Probably my favourite one was driving Ayrton Senna's MP4/4," said Hamilton.

Hamilton drove the MP4/4 during a filming day with Top Gear at Silverstone in 2010, and reflected on how different it must have been for drivers in the late 80s.

"I think the cars back then were a lot less aero efficient," said Hamilton.

"It was more like a go-kart back then, because they literally had big huge tyres with mechanical grip."

Favourite F1 moment of career

Hamilton was asked what his favourite moment in F1 has been over the course of his 17-year career.

The Briton recalled his early days and the uncertainty that lingered over whether he would actually make it to the premier class, having faced a lot of adversity with his father.

"One of my favourite moments was just getting to F1," said Hamilton.

"We couldn't believe it. There were so many dark and tough moments where we really thought that was it and it was never going to happen.

"We just never gave up. Seeing my Dad at the first race win in Montreal, looking down at him on the podium, was so validating to know that all the late nights and travelling that we did, the adversity we face just felt like it was all worth while."