Lewis Hamilton says he “wasn’t sure whether” his 100th race win “would come”, after not winning a grand prix since July.
Lewis Hamilton’s 99th career win came in July at the British Grand Prix, and it’s taken a long time to get to 100. However, at the Russian Grand Prix, the history-making win finally came.
“It’s taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn’t even sure whether or not it would come,” said the Briton after the race.
“Lando did such an amazing job, he had incredible pace. He’s doing such a great job for McLaren, and it was very bittersweet to see my old team ahead. They’ve been doing so well, they won the last race, so they’re doing fantastic, powered by Mercedes.
“Obviously the team made a great call right at the end. I didn’t want to let Lando go, and of course I didn’t know what the weather was doing.
“I’m incredibly, incredibly grateful to all these men and women that are here and back in the factory, because, wow, 100!”
After two crashes in qualifying Lewis says he was focused on doing the “best job” he could do in the race.
“Going to bed last night, I obviously wasn’t the happiest with the job that I did yesterday. I watched the replay over and over again and there were subtle mistakes, but just not ideal.
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
“ I was so determined when I came in and woke up this morning. I was determined to do the best job I could.”
Unfortunately for Lewis and Mercedes, Max Verstappen managed to finish the race in P2, after starting the race from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty.
This means he now has a fresh engine for the rest of the season, while it is expected that Lewis will have to take on another unit and also serve a grid penalty at some point in 2021.
“To come from last to second is a huge effort. The Red Bulls are so fast. They’ve been quickest pretty much most of the year. They’ve done a great job.
“To come from last, have a penalty, two penalties…whatever it was, and come back to second, that is mega damage limitation. We’ve got to see what we can do moving forwards.
“It’s going to be tough to beat them, but we’re going to give it everything,” concluded the Briton.