Last Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix was truly challenging for Lewis Hamilton. The race was rough and tough. It was crash-ridden. He went. He raced. He won. But in this post-race interview, Hamilton confessed that it was one of the most challenging race he had ever participated in.
Excerpts
You initially lost the lead from pole position before taking the place back on the first grid restart following a red flag period called on lap nine. Looking back, how would you describe your road to today’s victory?
As you would know, the race was red flagged for a second time after a late crash for Lance Stroll, setting up a 13-lap sprint to the line that I was able to win ahead of Bottas.
The incident-strewn race saw just 12 cars finish. Honestly, it was one of the craziest races I have ever had in Formula one history.
It felt like I had three races in one day, I’m pretty exhausted. I didn’t do a good start the first time, then we had the rolling start which wasn’t good, then we had the second start from second, and that obviously was better.
Then I had a seven-second gap or whatever it is, and pretty comfortable with that gap and new tyres, and then another.
“Of course anything could happen on those starts, but fortunately I got the best start finally of the day.
After that, Valtteri was still right there the whole time, so if I made any mistake, he would have slipstreamed me up this 1,000 metre straight.
Today was physically and mentally one of the most challenging days I’ve experienced.
You onviosly experienced regular stoppages Hamilton said the regular stoppages. In what ways did it impact on your performance?
Hamilton: It made it difficult for me to stay focused during the race, but thanks to the Mercedes team for staying cool under the circumstances.
Valtteri was so quick all weekend, so keeping him behind, the starts and stops that we had, I wouldn’t say it was very easy to stay in the zone.
But [I’m] really, really grateful to the team for running up an down the pit lane. We had the furthest to go, and with their composure, I think they did an amazing job. Just proud to be a part of it, and really proud of the performance today. It was not easy keeping these guys behind.
Mugello marked another new circuit that you have won a race at as the track hosted its maiden F1 grand prix this weekend, which means an extension of your record of winning F1 races at the most different tracks, your tally now stands at 27.Would you like to return to Mugello?
Hamilton : “I like it. I don’t know how it was down the rest of the field, but yeah, it’s an incredible circuit, and I would really love to come back.”
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