Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix – Top 3 Statements: “I hope to be able to tell my grandchildren about this one day”

Lewis Hamilton (1st): I hope to be able to tell this to my grandchildren one day.

Mercedes won the Constructors’ World Championship today for the seventh consecutive time. Hamilton wants to salute his entire team:

« I want to thank Mercedes, Petronas, and all our partners. We couldn’t do what we’re doing now without their support. This is Mercedes’ seventh consecutive title, it’s just incredible. I hope to be able to tell this to my grandchildren one day. »

Starting from 2nd place, Hamilton managed to win with tire management that allowed him to stop during a Virtual Safety Car. With only one practice session this weekend in Imola, the star-branded team did not know where they stood in terms of performance. “Coming back here was not easy because we didn’t know our performance level. We’ve improved the car.” comments Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas (2nd): « It is difficult to keep control when on the limit »

Starting from pole position, Bottas finishes this race second. The Finn explains having had some problems during the race: « The start was good. At turn 7 there was debris, I tried to avoid it but couldn’t. I had damage under the car. »

Then, he explains his few mistakes during his fight with Verstappen: « I was pushing to the maximum to prevent Max [Verstappen] from coming back. It’s difficult to maintain control while being on the edge; I made a few small mistakes. »

Daniel Ricciardo (3rd): « Today I won’t forget to do the shoey »

Very nice operation for Ricciardo who climbs on the podium for the second time in three races. The Renault driver comments on his race: « I had a very good pace, the pit stop was good. After the Safety Car, I saw Kvyat coming back in the last laps but it was great, I managed to keep him behind me. It’s difficult to overtake here but the circuit is great. »

When Paul Di Resta asks him if another tattoo is planned for Cyril Abiteboul, the Australian responds: « Cyril said to me on the radio: “Congratulations but there won’t be a second tattoo.” In any case, today I won’t forget to do the shoey. (Editor’s note: Ricciardo’s tradition on the podium is to drink champagne poured into his shoe) »

Toto Wolff at the foot of the podium

The Mercedes director talks about his team’s victory: « I am not particularly interested in the numbers, but we should be proud. We have an incredible group. It’s a moment of great pride for everyone. We always push further. Max and Honda are doing a great job and giving us a hard time. These are great challenges that we are taking on. »