Hamilton: “Special victory, one of my most enjoyable races”

Lewis Hamilton is beaming after his victory at the Canadian GP and not just because he is the seventh winner of the season in seven races held so far.

The McLaren driver made the most of the two-stop strategy, recovering almost 15" on Fernando Alonso in just under 20 laps. “I think the team did a great job with the pit stops and the strategy,” Hamilton said after the awards ceremony. “I was very, very surprised at how the tires performed and that I could push in the moments when I needed to push. I was surprised in the first stint. I knew Fernando was the one to beat. He had a strong rhythm. But I knew I couldn't do just one stop, so I think two-stops was the right tactic.".

With this victory the Englishman took the lead in the World Championship and effectively reopened the game for him. He then added: “Of course we were aware that we went into the race knowing that we were going to make two stops when the guys behind me were only going to make one, I had the feeling that Fernando was going to make one stop and I knew that I should have as much of an advantage as possible before of the stop while preserving the tires, even if Fernando had a high pace. It was one of the best stints I've had. However I knew I would do well, Canada is where I won my first Grand Prix. I knew it would be tough, but it was one of the most fun races I've had so far and I couldn't believe it when I crossed the finish line. The feeling inside me was like an explosion, this is why I like running”, concluded the new World Championship leader.

Lorena Bianchi