HEARTBREAK FOR LEWIS
WORLD CHAMP WARY OF RIVAL’S TACTICS
precise and take somebody out.”
Vettel said that any contact risks both drivers’ races, and so it was unlikely that any incidents would have been deliberate.
“In France I lost my wing, so I screwed my race,” added Vettel. “It’s easy to attack and have a great move and easy to have an incident. I only saw it briefly but I don’t think there was any intention and I find it a bit unnecessary to even go there.”
Hamilton ‘gave it all’
Hamilton said he was drained after the 52-lap race where he had climbed from 17th to second spot.
Mercedes made a tactical gamble not to fit fresh tyres to Hamilton and Bottas during a late-race safety car. That meant leader Bottas was a sitting duck for the Ferraris, which were on newer Pirelli tyres, and Hamilton was also able to pass his team-mate in the latter stages as the Finn’s tyres wilted.
“It’s easy for you to sit and watch the race. I sweat my a**e off in that race. I pushed absolutely 100 per cent, 1000 per cent,” said the reigning world champion.
Hamilton did not take part in the post-race interviews with Martin Brundle in parc ferme and instead went straight to the pre-podium room to collect his thoughts. He did speak to Brundle after the podium celebrations, but the Brit said he was feeling very uncomfortable after the exertions of the race.
“I gave every bit of energy I had, I didn’t have anything left when I came in,” explained Hamilton. “People expect you to get out of the car and wave and smile and all that. I gave everything I could, I was struggling to stand.
“It’s different when you’re in the lead and can control the pace. I was coming from last. I didn’t have much to give at that time and needed to take a deep breath. I don’t have any problems with Kimi.”