Lewis Hamilton reflects on "hardest week" after spectacular comeback in Brazil

São Paulo Grand Prix

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Hamilton reflects on "hardest week" after spectacular comeback in Brazil

Hamilton fought back from a disqualification and five place penalty to win in São Paulo

Sam Hall

Sunday 14 November 2021 20:10 Updated: 20:15

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to "never stop fighting" following his "hardest week" that culminated in him toppling F1 title rival Max Verstappen in Brazil.

Hamilton and Mercedes suffered numerous setbacks across the weekend at the São Paulo Grand Prix as the Briton was disqualified from qualifying on Friday for a rear-wing technical infringement and was handed a five-place penalty for taking another new engine.

Starting 10th, Hamilton took just five laps to recover to third behind only Verstappen and Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez and after a controversial incident with Verstappen on lap 48, the Mercedes driver took the lead on lap 59.

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“Coming into this weekend I never, ever thought that we would be able to close the gap like we have today, and these things that just kept going against us, but I just think it really shows to everyone just never give up," said Hamilton.

“Whatever you’re facing, you’ve just got to keep pushing, keep fighting and never, never stop fighting. That is how I approached this weekend [drawing] inspiration from all around.

“But it feels like the first [win] because I don’t feel like I’ve had a win for a long time.”

After the race, Hamilton revealed a history lesson from his father Anthony had spurred him on after a difficult opening to the weekend.

“I was pushing as hard as I could from last on the grid and then another five-place penalty," added Hamilton. "I think it was the hardest week I have had.

"But my dad reminded me of 2004 when I was in Formula 3 in Bahrain and I started last and I finished 10th then I finished first.

“This one’s for my dad.”