Hamilton: “We are getting stronger and stronger as a team”

It was to be expected, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) dominated the Japanese Grand Prix head and shoulders this Sunday. The wearer of number 44, who started from pole position, benefited from the protection of his teammate Valtteri Bottas in second place to escape into first place. He was never worried throughout the 53 laps.

The race was so calm that the driver even wondered where his engineer had gone on the radio!

Where's Bono?! #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/mLLhfE9tW4

— Formula 1 (@F1) 7th October, 2018

This fourth consecutive success allows him to increase his lead to 67 points out of Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) still author of errors of judgment. The Briton, questioned about the excitement of his German rival, delivered an in-depth analysis after the protocol ceremony.

“Of course I didn't expect it... Until the mid-season mark they were very strong, then we went to Monza (Italy), then they were still in great shape at Singapore. This is where their advantage was reduced. I absolutely did not anticipate that they would back down to this point., explains the Englishman. Sebastian Vettel finished third, almost 40 seconds behind, on a track that was historically unfavorable for Mercedes.

YES!! What a race! I love this track, it's crazy fun out there, I had the biggest smile on my face. To the team, I am proud of everything you do, I love you guys. #TeamLH, I am moved by your unwavering support. Today we celebrate!! #StillWeRise #DrivenByEachOther #F1 pic.twitter.com/Z025R3E4ZB

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 7th October, 2018

 Not only did they lose a large part of their performance... but their performances did not arrive in the same way as before. I don't have an answer to this situation, it's not something that concerns me. I'm sure Sebastian could tell you more. All we can do is do the best work possible and maximize our potential. »

A work ethic that pays off. Lewis Hamilton has first opportunity to pocket a fifth crown at the United States Grand Prix in Austin (Texas) on October 21. “Honestly, I take things one at a time. Every week you have a satisfactory race and you go to another circuit and you no longer know if you are going to be able to deliver the same performance.

I think we are getting stronger and stronger as a team. Austin has always been a track that suits our car well, I can't wait to wake up the beast there. » This says a lot about the leader’s desire to win overall.

Find the analysis of the Japanese GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2186 of AUTOhebdo, available Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.