LEWIS HAMILTON ADMITTED another Mercedes one-two and one-stop tactics did not make for an exciting Belgium Grand Prix as he claimed he would prefer a tighter battle for the top of the podium.
After winning today’s Grand Prix, the championship leader and six-time Formula One champion repeated the ‘Wakanda salute’ he performed after qualification in tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman.
“It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero,” said the English driver.
Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second.
“I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see – the two Mercedes at the front,” said Hamilton.
Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing — it’s really boring.
“At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today,” he said.
“I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me.”
Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team’s approach.
“No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down,” he said, “it’s an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team.”
He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended with tension as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres.
“It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok,” he said.
“I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre – so I was nursing it to the end.”
Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture. He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks.
“I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever,” he said. “That is a positive.”
Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton.
“Lewis played the start really well and I couldn’t get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend.”
Absolutely brilliant and seriously underrated player.
Delighted for Chris Henry but at 32 I don’t think his door was being knocked down with offers from elsewhere.
He’s Ulster through and through and gives everything he has on the pitch but surely his best days were pre the heart condition.
@Ian Frizzell. My understanding is that there were at least 3 other clubs after him. At 32 I would not write him off getting back into the Ireland set-up, dedicated and committed on and off the pitch. A bit of good news from the Ulster camp.
Unless there’s a serious amount of injuries he’s not getting back into the Irish side. The competition in the backrow is tough and we have some serious younger players coming through.
Let’s wait and see………
@Chris Mcdonnell:
He won’t get back in but that’s more about age profile than form. He’s been great for us this year. Our pack is a disaster – we have a good eight but, back row especially, the depth is shocking and we’ve had horrible injuries that have all but killed the season.
The difference between Ulster with Henry and Henderson compared with an Ulster with neither is extraordinary.
Completely Chris. No way he would get back unless a mountain of injuries occurred.
Henry still worth the money and his place in the side.
He produces the goods on a regular basis, unlike Roger Wilson, who now only has one gear and that’s reverse
Good to hear but need more back row option’s and a scrumhalf, Hart would have been a good starter but obviously the Munster bench must be more attractive for him.
Why do you think that Racing’s 3rd choice scrum half is good enough to start for Ulster ?
Because Ulster’s first choice is leaving and their second choice isn’t very good?
Because all ulster have is Paul Marshall… Hart would be perfect for them
Marmion?
No argument there.
Shows the ridiculous amount of depth Ireland have in the back-row that a guy like this can’t get a look in. Wouldn’t write him off though. Savage player.
A true gent on and off the pitch
Delighted with the news, a great player and friend who gives his all every time he runs out.