Formula One Norris ‘devastated’ after rain denies him first F1 win
LEWIS Hamilton hailed his 100th victory as a “magical moment” following an extraordinary afternoon of drama at yesterday’s Russian Grand Prix.
Bristol-born Lando Norris, 21, looked set to knock Hamilton off his perch as the youngest Briton to win a Formula One race after a composed and mature drive at Sochi’s Olympic Park. But the McLaren star was cruelly denied his first triumph when the arrival of rain with just seven laps remaining turned the race on its head.
Norris stayed out on slick rubber, but the gamble backfired. Hamilton stopped for wet tyres, and crossed the line 53 seconds clear of rival Max Verstappen to bring up his landmark win, 14 years and 108 days after his first triumph in Montreal, Canada in just his sixth race. “It has taken a long time to get to 100 and I wasn’t even sure if it would come,” said 36-year-old Hamilton.
“It is a magical moment. I could only have dreamed of still being here, to have this opportunity to win these races, and to drive with such phenomenal talents this late on in my career.
“I am so proud of everything we have done with Mercedes, on and off the track, and this is a special moment for everyone that has been part of it.
“My dad called me last night and he has always been that one to reassure me and to continue to support me. I feel incredibly grateful for the amazing support that I have had.”
Hamilton’s magnificent century of wins takes him two points clear of Verstappen in the title race with seven rounds to go. Verstappen, thrown to the back of the grid with an engine penalty, drove from last to second to limit the damage to his championship rival.
“I was so determined when I woke up this morning to deliver the best performance I could,” added Hamilton, who started fourth and then dropped to seventh after the first lap. Max must have done a great job to come up from last to second so we have got our work cut out. But there is nothing I can do about who is behind me and that is a dream result for him. “
Norris, who finished seventh after looking like he coould win the race, said: “Obviously unhappy. Devastated in a way. We made a call to stay out there (on slick tyres) but it was the wrong one at the end of the day.”