Hamilton: GB win blows F1 title race apart
LEWIS HAMILTON says the world championship has been blown wide open after he moved to within one point of Sebastian Vettel following a crushing victory at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton dominated from start to finish at Silverstone to secure a record-equalling fifth victory, and his fourth in succession in front of his home supporters.
The Briton’s triumphant weekend was made all the more sweeter when Vettel, on course to finish third, suffered a puncture on the penultimate lap.
Vettel’s tyre failure saw him drop to seventh, and allowed Hamilton to take 19 points out of his championship lead as he bids to become the first Briton to win four titles.
“I did not expect to come away from the weekend just one point behind Sebastian,” Hamilton said. “This result opens up the championship.
“Obviously the pendulum swung a little bit this week- end and I think that’s only good for Formula One, only good for the fans, and superexciting for them to see the close battle that we’re continuing to have.
“We hope it stays the way that it’s swung this time but, as you know, a pendulum swings, and we’re just hoping that we can be on our toes to react to whatever is thrown at us in the next races.”
Hamilton arrived at his home race under a cloud after he courted criticism for dodging a promotional event in London last Wednesday. The triple world champion was the only current driver absent from the parade after he opted to head to the Greek island of Mykonos for a break with pals.
“There was so much negativity ahead of the race, with people questioning how I prepared,” Hamilton, who emulated Britain’s two-time world champion Jim Clark with five British Grand Prix victories here, added.
“But there is no reason to question my preparations.
“I have more poles than most. I am building up the wins that I have. My performances are second to none. If you don’t know now that my preparation is mostly on point, then I guess you never will.
‘’I could imagine one day driving a Formula One car and maybe winning one championship, but I couldn’t imagine the number of poles that I have, matching the likes of Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna.
‘’I am proud to see the Hamilton name engraved on the trophy, and it will be there way beyond my time.’’