Lewis victory rekindles his love of racing
LEWIS HAMILTON says his titanic victory over Sebastian Vettel here at the Spanish Grand Prix felt like the very first of his career.
The Briton punched the air in delight as he produced a thrilling fightback to seal what could prove a pivotal win in this year’s seesaw championship.
Hamilton will now head to Monaco just six points shy of the man he is bidding to join on four world titles following a dramatic race in which the protagonists diced on track for the first time Not Classified: this season. It nearly ended in tears for Hamilton after he was forced off the circuit when trying to pass Vettel.
But after labelling the German’s tactics “dangerous”, Hamilton charged past Vettel like a steam train a few laps later on the 220mph drag down to the opening turn.
The victory, Hamilton’s second of the season and the 55th of his career, was just what the doctor ordered after his drubbing in Russia a fortnight ago.
“It was just the rawest fight that I can remember having for some time,” said Hamilton. “This is what the sport needs every single race and this is why I race and what got me into racing in the beginning.
“To have a close battle like that with a four-time champion is awesome.
“I’ve been racing for 24, 25 years and it feels like the first win.”
For much of this fifth round it looked as if it was going to be Vettel who would extend his lead to 20 points after executing the perfect start to leapfrog his big rival. But an inspired call from Hamilton’s Mercedes team won him the race.
The virtual safety car was deployed when Stoffel Vandoorne crashed into Felipe Massa and Mercedes caught Ferrari on the hop by pitting Hamilton.
Vettel stopped a lap later but emerged alongside Hamilton to spark a fascinating duel between the two leading talents of their generation.
“He came out of the pits and I was a bit surprised that it was so close,” said Vettel, who added of the near-collision: “I tried to brake as late as possible. I don’t know if we touched but I managed to stay ahead.
“I was doing everything I could to stay in front, but as soon as I was alone he just flew past me down the straight, which was a shame. Well done to him. He won fair and square.”
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo joined Hamilton and Vettel on the podium after the Australian took advantage of a first-lap collision involving Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen.
Raikkonen and Verstappen were unable to continue and while Bottas soldiered on – indeed he played a crucial role in assisting Hamilton’s victory by holding Vettel up in the opening phase of the race – he later retired when his Mercedes engine expired.
The Force India duo of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon finished in fourth and fifth.
Fernando Alonso crossed in 12th – his first finish of the season – but there was more misery for Britain’s Jolyon Palmer, who limped home last of all the classified runners.