Hamilton satisfied with his solo raid: reactions from the Top 3 in France

Lewis Hamilton had every reason to be satisfied as he stepped out of his single-seater. The Brit dominated the race and didn’t give his opponents a chance: « It’s never easy. Everything is on the edge. You have to manage temperatures, wear, reliability, manage the tires… I had big blisters on the front tires. I remember last year, Lance had a tire that exploded. We have to enjoy our result! »

One might think that the Mercedes driver would need to seek motivation after an unexciting race for him, but according to his statements, it is never easy to win even when it might seem so visually: « It’s always a huge challenge: I am always looking for the limit. You have to master these machines. But I would never succeed without those guys over there and everyone at the factory. We’re making history together. I’m proud to be part of this team.

It was a beautiful day here in the South of France, but I’m still sweating, it’s so hot! It’s a great track for racing, there are some technical areas where you can gain an advantage.

He also brushes off the criticisms of the boredom of this race and points the finger at the regulations rather than the drivers: « We shouldn’t be blamed, the drivers. We are not responsible for the regulations. The pressure should be put on those who make the decisions to try to change things. And they are trying to do it. That’s why I was in Paris last time for the meeting on the 2021 regulations, so that the drivers are involved in the decisions »

Hamilton on top of the podium once again

And at the same time secures his 200th points finish in 237 starts 😮

Astonishing #F1 #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/16PP0D5eFo

— Formula 1 (@F1) 23 juin 2019

For his part, Valtteri Bottas is not resigned either and fully intends to beat Hamilton again this year: « The start was the best I’ve done, but Lewis had a good one too. In the end, he was better today: I couldn’t match his pace. I’ll need to study that. I’m proud of the team. But I’ll need to understand what I can improve. Lewis was really strong and consistent, but I know he’s not invincible. I just need to work even harder. »

Same speech for Charles Leclerc who tried everything to at least take the second step of the podium and get ahead of a Mercedes, in vain: « I gave it everything I had… In the end, I was catching Valtteri, who was struggling after the virtual safety car. I think considering where we were on Friday after the race simulations, it’s a very good day for us. I was even very fast in the last two laps. »

From our special correspondent in Castellet