Masterful race for Lewis Hamilton, who by winning the Grand Prix of Qatar is even closer to Max Verstappen in the fight for the 2021 Formula 1 title.
After signing the Pole Position in Qualifying, the Brit did not make a mistake in the race, leading from the start and not giving up even when his Dutch rival took second place, pulling off the fastest lap in the final.
“It may have seemed like a simple race and in fact the team did a really great job, both for the car they gave me and in the pit stops,” explains the Brit, who dominated from the first to the last lap.
“I like to fight, but we needed these points, so thanks to the team. I can’t wait to look back at the race to find out what happened behind me. I think I took the pressure off by doing a good Qualifying, while Max he made a mistake. In fact I kept the GP under control without worries “.
The only thrill everyone experienced is linked to the numerous Pirelli tires that collapsed during the GP, with the front left placed under the magnifying glass. His partner Valtteri Bottas was the first to run into this trouble, but Hamilton narrowly escaped it.
“I heard about the punctures, I honestly don’t know what the cause could be, but I’d say the curbs.”
With this result, the Mercedes driver moves to -8 points in the standings from the Red Bull boy, when the Jeddah and Abu Dhabi races are still missing. With 52 points up for grabs, it is still a World Cup to be decided in an exciting final.
“For now it has been an absurd year, getting to this point and getting two wins in a row is really fantastic, it’s a pity only for having lost the fastest lap. But Max has a very fast car, I noticed that after a few laps he was already 4th , while I didn’t have my partner to protect me “
“The sensations are excellent and I am energized for the remaining races. I am happy because I feel at ease with the car and in great physical shape as never before. For this I thank Ange, my trainer. It helps me a lot to keep fit and this also allowed me to get back into the championship. Now I’m down with the next two races! “
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
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