Tire management, record and victory: Hamilton untouchable in Catalonia

Forgotten the last two Grands Prix and the tricky tire management, despite success at the British Grand Prix. This time, in the Catalan heat, Lewis Hamilton et Mercedes were not slowed down by the Pirelli tires.

Starting from pole and author of a royal flight, Hamilton ensured a margin of safety on Max Verstappen (Red Bull), accelerating the tempo in the second part of the race after the first tire changes.

On medium tires, the Briton led the race on his own, not hesitating to question a potential switch to soft tires at the end of the race to maintain a yellow sidewall which has proven itself on the Barcelona circuit.

“It was a real surprise, because we had this problem with the tires, recalls the world champion. The management has been very, very good. Ultimately, it was our understanding of what happened last week and brought to us this weekend that allowed us to do what we did today.

This is something I studied before the race, to understand what tires we were going to use and what strategy to choose. I realized that I could make the tires last longer than expected.

I was even potentially looking to go for a single stop, but I think the strategy we had was good. In the end there was no need to take the risk of using the soft tire. »

At the finish, the bill is steep for the competition, since Verstappen finishes more than 24″ behind. An abyss, another world, a bit like the sensation felt by the winner of the day. “ I was in a daze, Hamilton points out. I felt really good. I didn't even know it was the last lap at the end. I was ready to continue.

[There was] only one weird moment, when there was an aero element at the exit of turn 2 (a piece of the car de Romain Grosjean, Editor’s note) which was right on my front tire area.

Beyond that, it was an incredible effort from the team, as a shock for us, since we did not expect such performance from the tires. »

A victory, the 88th of his career, which also constitutes the 156th podium for the Briton since his debut, a new record for the Mercedes driver, who thus exceeds Michael Schumacher. "I don't really know what to say about this, comments the Briton, a little moved.

It's strange that all of us here grew up watching Michael and dreaming of being there. What is happening is much more than I had hoped for as a child. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given every day. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Spanish Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Catalonia, in issue 2274 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.