Hamilton Congratulates Verstappen And Russell As He's Reminded Of Karting Days

Sunday, 24 November 2024 at 18:30

Lewis Hamilton discussed his race with the media and suggested it felt for him like old karting days as he climbed eight positions.

The Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton did not have a good qualifying session on Saturday as he messed up both of his final two runs.

Following the Qualifying on Saturday, he admitted he could have started from pole if he didn't make those mistakes. Nevertheless, the seven-time World Champion had to start the Grand Prix from P10.

In the Grand Prix, Hamilton struggled to make progress immediately after the start as he got stuck in a DRS train, but as the race developed, he turned out to be the fastest man on the track.

The 39-year-old put in one fastest lap after another, and at one point, it even looked like he might catch up with George Russell, who went on to win the race.

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Ultimately, Lewis Hamilton finished the race in P2, which was a satisfactory result considering he hadn't finished on the podium since the summer break. Speaking to the media after the race, he said:

"Well, firstly, I've got to say a big congratulations to Max, winning the championship still with several races to go."

"If I'd done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today, but it's okay. I had fun coming from the back, coming from 10th, and the team did a fantastic job."

"We don't know why we were so quick this weekend, but that's the best the car's ever felt, so I'm grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point."

When asked whether he thought he could have won the Grand Prix had he qualified better, the seven-time World Champion replied:

"That doesn't really matter, really, does it? At the end of the day, George did a great job, did everything you're supposed to do, and I'm happy for him, and I'm just grateful I could get back up there to support the team with a one-two."

"I had a great time, when you're progressing, moving forward, it's always a great feeling, but it felt very much like my old days at Rye House [karting], like starting at the back and coming through, so it was great."