The reactions of the top 3 at Spa-Francorchamps
Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen each had their own reasons to be satisfied with stepping onto the podium at Spa-Francorchamps. Here are their reactions live from the paddock.
Last year, Lewis Hamilton was able to defend himself throughout the race against Sebastian Vettel’s attacks. This year, the German learned his lesson and managed to take the lead at the first run through Les Combes: Last year, I was always just a bit short at the end of the straight to pass Lewis. This year, it worked.
However, Lewis Hamilton did not make things easy for his championship rival, as the passage through La Source was somewhat tricky, as the Ferrari driver commented: « I got off to a very good start. Then, I think Lewis didn’t see me because he pushed me a bit to the left at the first corner. But I knew my chance would come. So I was well prepared for it. »
Once number 5 was in the lead, Lewis Hamilton’s only chance to regain the front was during the single pit stop since he couldn’t fully complete his attack at the restart, after the safety car. He significantly increased his pace at the end of the stint and managed to set a very good out-lap. To the point of threatening Sebastian Vettel but not enough to launch a real attack, especially as he was somewhat hindered by Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, which hadn’t stopped yet: « I did everything I could, but it wasn’t enough. »
He was simply forced to acknowledge that the new improvement made by Ferrari was working well: « Every time we bring something new, they seem to bring something that works even better. We need to catch up with them. » But in the championship, he still holds a 17-point lead. However, it was clear that he was affected by no longer having the fastest car on the grid in a straight line. The prospect of heading to Monza next week was far from delightful for him.
As for Max Verstappen, who had to retire last year, he was very happy to be able to step onto the podium and thus reward the thousands of Dutch fans who filled the stands at Spa-Francorchamps: « Once I passed the Force Indias, I was able to stay out of trouble. So I’m happy with this podium. » Like many drivers, he loves the Belgian circuit, with the fans packed in the stands being just an added satisfaction for him.
From our special correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps
