Starting tenth on the starting grid in Las Vegas following failed qualifying, Lewis Hamilton made a very good comeback to second place, allowing Mercedes F1 to score the double, its first since that obtained in Brazil in 2022 The seven-time world champion is delighted to have posted such an impressive pace in the race.
“I had a great time. When you improve and move forward, it's always a great feeling. I felt like the days when I started at the back and progressed , so it was great.”
Was the W15 even better in Vegas than it was at Silverstone according to the British driver?
“Honestly, I don't really remember it. The best in recent times, for sure. We found a very good balance in the car in the race. I felt much better than in qualifying, especially in Q3, but yeah, it’s just phenomenal for the team.”
Given the result obtained, we can imagine that Hamilton could have aimed even higher if he had started higher on the grid, but that didn't matter to him since his team obtained the double at the finish.
“It doesn't really matter. At the end of the day, George did a great job, he did everything he was supposed to do and I'm happy for him and I'm just grateful that he was able to go back and give the team a double.”
“It's a really good performance. It's not that I didn't think I could do it. I've had a lot of races like that, but I'm usually happy to come back. You know, I I tried to approach the race with a positive mindset and being able to do what I want with the car, pushing and passing people, it was such a great feeling. one of the most enjoyable races Yes, if I had gone in. pole position and I had just led the race, I wouldn't have had as much fun, that's for sure. Of course, winning a Grand Prix is always a great thing, but when you're faced with adversity and that's it. we have to fight, we feel so much better when we succeed.”
George Russell expects to be able to maintain a similar level of performance this weekend in Qatar. Is this also the opinion of his illustrious teammate?
“I have no idea. I don't think anyone in the team knows why we were so fast this weekend. And everyone will be happy about that. But I think in the hottest conditions we We have more difficulty. When we go to two circuits, Qatar is perhaps not so bad because it is a little less hot there and the track is very smooth. bad on this circuit I think we were good there all year. last one Abu Dhabi, maybe less. But we'll see.”
