Hamilton hails Mercedes’ “good bet”

Although initially surprised by Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) showed solidity this Sunday on the Catalan side.

In the wake of the Dutchman during the first part of the race, the Englishman opted for a two-stop strategy. Passing through the pit lane on the 42nd and 66th laps, he then had to make up a deficit of 22 seconds. A task that Lewis Hamilton carried out to perfection to achieve a 98th career success at the finish.

« The training and the work are paying off, he pointed out. The start of the race was very close. There was rubber on the right side of the track and the Red Bull (Max Verstappen) managed to make a very good start.

I went into hunting mode afterward. I was close to him for a long time. I didn't think that by driving like this I would be able to make my tires last. But somehow I managed it. Then I managed to perfect my 20 second delay. It was a good bet, a very good strategy ».

The winning move! #SpanishGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/kKTnx5apaf

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 9, 2021

A strategic choice that Lewis Hamilton logically did not forget to salute when returning to the Grand Prix.

“(The two-stop strategy) was the plan all weekend. We wanted to ensure two sets of medium tires and thus be able to put it in place.

Even though the one-stop one seems better, from my experience on this track I know that it is very, very difficult to achieve. With the pace we had, I knew that by reaching him I would be able to overtake him.

Mega effort from Lewis 
Mega effort from Mercedes #SpanishGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/SXMdd1CbE7

- Formula 1 (@ F1) May 9, 2021

I thought I was going to have a chance to pass him before my second pit stop. It was a bit of a mess in my head. I was wondering if I should stay on the track or return to the pits. I finally did what the team asked me because there is a lot of trust between us. Everyone did a fantastic job. What a day ! ».

Find the analysis of the Spanish Grand Prix by our specialists in AUTOhebdo No. 2311, available this Monday evening in digital version and on Wednesday on newsstands.