Lewis Hamilton woken up by Brazil controversy - Toto Wolff

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Hamilton woken up by Brazil controversy - Wolff

Hamilton has won two races in succession

Ewan Gale

Sunday 21 November 2021 17:47

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes the controversial weekend at Interlagos "woke up the lion" in Lewis Hamilton after the Briton took his second victory in a row in Qatar.

Hamilton dominated the country's inaugural race at the Losail International circuit, eventually taking the chequered flag almost half a minute ahead of championship rival Max Verstappen, albeit after the Red Bull driver made a late extra pit stop to guarantee himself the fastest-lap point.

The two victories have come after a disqualification in qualifying at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

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Mercedes' race was not all plain sailing, as despite seeing Hamilton close to eight points behind Verstappen, the constructors' charge took a hit after Valtteri Bottas retired with damage caused by a puncture.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 for his post-race feelings, Wolff replied: "It is funny because the initial feeling is bittersweet.

"Both championships are so important. It is great he won the race and the good news is the car is really fast.

"It seemed to be in a happy spot. He controlled the race from the front and I think that is a good indication for what is to come in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi."

On Hamilton, the Austrian added: "He is totally in the zone. The lion has woken up. They woke up the lion in Interlagos on that Saturday and you see that."

Bottas tyre failure "came out of nowhere"

Bottas' front-left puncture was the first of four throughout the field, with damage from his car being dragged along the floor ending his afternoon after running as high as third.

Addressing the moment the Pirelli tyre deflated, Wolff explained: "It came out of nowhere.

"We tried to reconstruct it afterwards knowing when it happened and looking at the data and there was literally no indication - a tiny vibration but never enough to pit the car.

"Unfortunate for him, he was the first to pick up the puncture."