Hamilton, relieved: “They were the wrong tires”

We know Lewis Hamilton closing believer of God. This Sunday, May 26 near Monaco, it is the almost mystical presence of Niki Lauda that the five-time world champion Formula 1 could feel throughout the Grand Prix, which gave him his 77th victory in the discipline.

That was for you, Niki. Your fighting spirit was right there with me every step of the way. I know you are looking down and taking your hat off to us. I miss you, we truly miss you and I hope we did you proud today, legend. pic.twitter.com/gwNJvFzY8C

- Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 26th May 2019

“I really fought with Niki's mind (died Monday at the age of 70. Ed.), he has been such an influence on our team and I know he looks at us and tips his hat to us, said Lewis Hamilton after the race. I tried to stay focused and pay homage to him, it was our goal for the weekend and we sincerely miss it. »

The wearer of number 44 achieved the major feat of keeping his medium tires in place for most of the event, while his rivals had hard, more durable compounds. “I haven't driven on tires this worn from China 2007 when McLaren left me on track in Shanghai for an extremely long time”he recalls. 

Lewis Hamilton also retired at this turning point in the title race in 2007. Fortunately, history did not repeat itself in Monaco, perhaps thanks to the absence of a gravel trap... “I wasn’t going to come into the pits, reveals Lewis Hamilton. I learned a hard lesson in 2015, when I lost the race after going to the pits. Even if they weren't the right tires. »

The pilot Mercedes finally faced Max Verstappen (Red Bull) when the latter attempted a suicide attack at the exit of the tunnel. “He dove late. Fortunately, I saw it at the last moment. I think his front spoiler was next to my left rear wheel. I was afraid my tire would be damaged. » 

In any case, the five-second penalty then knocked the Dutchman out of the fight for the podium.

Find the analysis of F2218 in issue 1 of AUTOhebdo, available Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands at Monaco by our special envoys.