Hamilton, victorious in Monaco: “One of my best races ever!
Very spiritual, the winner of the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix seems relieved to be back on the top step of the podium, after a constant battle with his tires... and against Daniel Ricciardo, his formidable challenger of the day.
Finally! After seven months and eight winless races, Lewis Hamilton this time disregarded the difficulties to triumph. Very spiritual, the three-time world champion first thanked… God.
« I prayed for such a day to happen: it did. A big thank you to my team for providing me with such a good car. Thank God, this race went as I had hoped. »
Author of two bold tire relay strategies, Hamilton especially delayed changing his tires. Consequently, he was the last one on the track with his wet tires, only stopping on the 31st lap. The driver sporting number 44 had a complicated end to his relay, to say the least!
« It was the longest stint of my career to keep these tires going! I’m proud to have held on with them, especially since we didn’t know how far they could take us. »
The track was drying up, I decided to stay on the track, even though my team suggested coming in earlier. I wanted to stay on track and hold on, even with less grip, until switching to slicks.
By putting on the ultra-softs, he wasn’t at the end of surprises either. By emerging just ahead of Ricciardo (after the misfortunes of his own stop), Hamilton stayed in the sights of the Red Bull driver for a long time, on a track still surprising, half dry – half soaked:
« When I went out, those were the most treacherous conditions there could be. »
Good sport, he made sure to greet the Australian on the podium.
All my warmest congratulations to Daniel. He had a very good Grand Prix today, a very good drive, it was intense during the restarts. I think he’s not the happiest person in the world right now but he should be proud of his driving. I used every bit of my ability to hold off Daniel!
With this victory combined with a modest seventh place finish for Rosberg, Hamilton not only breaks his bad streak,
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He thus returns to 24 points from the top of the drivers' championship.
In the meantime, there is no doubt that the Briton will have a lovely Sunday evening:
« Even though Monaco is horrible in the rain, it was one of my best races!
Winning my 44th here is one of the best things that could have happened to me, especially after this bad streak!
« Now, I'm going to take advantage of this and enjoy it with my family and friends. I'm going to have a drink to celebrate! »
44 x 44 🙏🏾Thank you to my amazing team @mercedesamgf1 for the incredible job today. #GodIsTheGreatest #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/3dvUUWhIMD
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 29 mai 2016
