After Lewis Hamilton’s 51st career victory at the Mexican Grand Prix, he now moves level with Alain Prost into second place on the all-time winners list.
Winning in Mexico was a must for Hamilton to further bring down the points deficit to his teammate Nico Rosberg as much as possible.
However with the German finishing in second place, Hamilton must beat Rosberg to victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time to take the championship battle to the finale in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.
Speaking on the podium Hamilton said: “With this pace, if I can take it moving forward that would be great, I am not giving up and I am just going to give it everything I’ve got.
“As long as I cross the line in Abu Dhabi knowing I’ve given it all I’ve got then I’ll be proud of my performances.”
Despite having an excursion after out-braking himself into Turn 1 after a huge lockup of the front right tyre, there were fears amongst the Mercedes pitwall about whether the car was going to be alright due to the vibrations from the flat-spotted tyre.
“On the formation lap I had a glazed front right brake that could not warm up,” Hamilton said. “I had 500˚C on the left front and 150-200˚C on the right front. I went to Turn One and the right front eventually woke up and just locked.
“I was carrying such speed, I was lucky I did not go in the wall or something. And after that, I just had the biggest vibration. I did not think I’d be able to make it in the first stint.
“Honestly I thought I’d have to stop. The vibration was so big that I could barely see to be honest. It was really nice when I got some new fresh tyres and it was a lot smoother.”
It turned out in the latter stages of the race, Hamilton was managing high exhaust temperatures after being told to turn the power unit down to help manage the problem.
To prevent Rosberg taking his maiden title at the Interlagos circuit, Hamilton must win at a circuit he has yet to do so in the previous 10 attempts he has had so far.
With the weather always very unpredictable in Brazil, Could some wet weather yet have a say in the outcome of the 2016 Drivers’ Championship?
Prost took to Twitter after the race to congratulate Hamilton on his achievements.
Twitter: 51 and not the end . Well deserved @LewisHamilton (@Prost_official)
