Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton described “mixed emotions” after winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a late-race puncture for Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
Hamilton inherited the lead with three laps remaining when Bottas ran over debris on the pit-straight, causing his right-rear tyre to immediately puncture.
Sebastian Vettel, who had controlled the race from the lead early on until he was jumped by Bottas during the safety car, slipped out of contention after a failed attempt at regaining the lead at Turn 1 meant he fell to fourth.
Prior to these incidents, Hamilton sat third in the race. His strategy was compromised by a lock-up at Turn 1 on lap 22 of 51, forcing him to pit earlier than planned. His pace was subsequently slower than that of both Bottas and Vettel.
“I never give up,” said Hamilton when speaking to Sky Sports F1. “It’s been a while since I have been reminded of that lesson that my Dad taught me years and years ago.
“I kept going, I kept pushing and pushing and then things turned out the way they did and I came to a realisation of just how true that still is.
“But, the Ferraris were out and out faster than us all weekend. Valtteri did an exceptional job and really after that safety car, deserved to win this race – he had done everything he needed to.
“Then, things shifted and we came out ahead, so it’s very mixed emotions – one grateful for the opportunity to win a grand prix and secondly, on the other side that I didn’t drive the way I feel like I normally drive, so that hurts a little bit.
“It’s not like my focus is anywhere else, but I struggled this weekend. We’ve got some work to do, but I can go home on a high note and take this hopefully into the next race.”
Hamilton’s victory is his first in 2018 and his maiden win in Azerbaijan. In ’16, power unit issues compromised his race. In ’17, he had led until a loose headrest forced him to make an unscheduled pitstop which effectively cost him the win.
“It was very emotional for me [today] given that in previous years here I had been in the lead and done everything I needed to do and then something went against me,” he said.
“I said this morning, ‘third time lucky,’ and it really was that scenario. This happens to be a track where luck – you kinda need it because there are a lot of safety car and a lot of incidents that go on.
“I’m coming out of the last corner and I am just in disbelief as to the position that I’m in.”
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