“Every stint I had tires left,” Lewis Hamilton indirectly puts the blame on Mercedes strategy after losing Belgium GP to George Russell

Lewis Hamilton hinted that George Russell's strategy allowed the 26-year-old to win the

“Every stint I had tires left,” Lewis Hamilton indirectly puts the blame on Mercedes strategy after losing Belgium GP to George Russell

Lewis Hamilton [L] George Russell [R] (images via IMAGO)

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton dominated the Belgian GP for the majority of the race. However, the tables changed during the last stint of the race with George Russell snatching the win from him. Hamilton reckoned Mercedes gambled one-stop strategy to Russell to let him win his second Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton took a lead over Charles Leclerc who started from the pole position, after just two laps in the 44 lap race. Ahead of this, Hamilton mentioned he tried his best catching up George Russell, but Russell did an amazing job. He stated that the 26-year-old stayed out on the track for a longer time with his tires. This situation made it difficult for the seven-time-world champion to overtake his teammate. Hamilton’s efforts to close the gap was challenging because Russell’s strategy was effective.

I was trying to get closer, but George did a great job on going long on the tires.
Lewis Hamilton said.
YouTube video

Lewis Hamilton explained that at every stint he was left with tires to run out. However, before the tires completely got worn out the team decided to bring him into the pits for a tire change anyway. Hamilton believed this strategy disrupted his race. He thought delaying his pit stop slightly would have given him an advantage over Russel, but the team had different plans. The seven-time world champion didn’t seem very happy about the strategy Mercedes used for him at the Belgian GP.

FS Video
Every stint I had tires left but the team brought me in.
Lewis Hamilton added.
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (via IMAGO, X/FiftyBucksVT, screenshot)

Lewis Hamilton congratulates Mercedes for achieving ‘spectacular’ 1-2 at the Belgian GP

Lewis Hamilton during the post race interview congratulated and appreciated the efforts put by Mercedes over this win. He mentioned this achievement would be celebrated massively back at the factory. The Briton stated clinching 1-2 at the Belgian GP was like building a spectacular momentum ahead of the summer break. He mentioned that both he and George Russell pushed hard, and it was fantastic to see their efforts pay off like this. Hamilton added that they would enjoy this moment and come back even stronger for the second half of the season.

Firstly congrats to the team. It will be a huge buzz for the team back at the factory. Getting a 1-2 is spectacular going into the summer break.
Lewis Hamilton stated.
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton stated that it was definitely a positive outcome to be competing at the front. He mentioned that Russell wasn’t really a direct competitor for him in this race. At the end, the 39-year-old felt good about having a car that could compete at the front of the pack. This made him feel optimistic about their performance and potential for future races.

For sure it's a positive to be. George wasn't in my race for me. In the end, we had a car competing at the front.
Lewis Hamilton added.

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton was pleased by the performance he and teammate George Russell pulled off at the Belgian GP. The pair clinched 1-2 which gave significant points to the team which will help them close the gap of Constructors championship. Fans were delighted seeing the Mercedes pair on the podium and hope they continue to show such kind of performance after the summer break.

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