Hamilton in a daze after "three races in one day" at Tuscan Grand Prix

Tuscan Grand Prix

Hamilton in a daze after "three races in one day" at Tuscan Grand Prix

The six-time world champion emerged from a chaotic afternoon as the winner once again

Ewan Gale

Sunday 13 September 2020 18:09

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Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton says he was left in a daze after taking his 90th Grand Prix victory in "three races in one day" at Mugello.

The six-time world champion emerged victorious from a race that was twice red-flagged for major incidents - a four-car melee on the pit-straight and a nasty off for Lance Stroll at the high-speed Arrabbiata corner.

Hamilton had initially lost the lead at the start of the race but managed to regain position at the first standing restart, eventually controlling the inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix.

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After leading home team-mate and championship rival Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton explained the difficulty of such a fragmented race.

"It is all a bit of a daze," he said.

"It was like three races in one day. Just incredibly tough today with a difficult start. This track is phenomenal and the heat and keeping Valtteri behind who has been quick all weekend wasn't easy. I was behind him at the beginning. With all the restarts, total focus was needed during that time. It was really, really hard."

"I think it was just the restarts, the first stint I was fine managing my tyres and I didn't really need to stop. The team were worried because Valtteri had a problem and then you see the things unravelling the next laps.

"Then the last one, we started on the soft which were used tyres and not knowing how long they were going to go, Valtteri appeared out of nowhere, when I saw Dani [Ricciardo] was behind and he was on it.

"There were times I was looking after the tyres and he would close up. This is a long, long straight so I didn't want him to get DRS. My heart is definitely racing. It is crazy to be here and have 90 Grand Prix [wins]."

After taking the lead at the start, it looked like Bottas would finally take the win he desperately needs to try and topple his team-mate in the championship. But two poor restarts left Bottas resigned to yet another supporting role.

"It is disappointing because it was like a dream start for me for the race," Bottas said.

"The start was really good and I also managed to hold onto my position at the safety car restart. It seemed like there were no more opportunities anymore after I lost the position at the second restart. That's how it goes."

"I will just keep pushing and try to get better. It has to turn out well for me at some point."

Before you go...

Hamilton one win away from Schumacher record after crash-strewn Tuscan GP