Lewis Hamilton "superhero" abilities triggered by adversity

Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff celebrating — Photo: © LAT Images

Qatar Grand Prix

Hamilton "superhero" abilities triggered by adversity

Hamilton has been dominant since his Brazilian qualifying disqualification

Sam Hall

Tuesday 23 November 2021 05:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has claimed Lewis Hamilton's "superhero powers" were activated by his disqualification from qualifying in Brazil.

Hamilton has scored back to back victories since being sent to the back of the grid for the sprint in São Paulo for a technical infringement with regard to his DRS.

The seven-time champion put on a breathtaking display in Brazil before following up in Qatar with a lights-to-flag victory to reduce Max Verstappen's championship lead to eight points with two races remaining.

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“I think when adversity happens then it takes him to a place where he is able to mobilise superhero powers," explained Wolff.

"It was the adversity that triggered that in Interlagos.

“They have woken up the lion on the Saturday in Interlagos. He is absolutely on it, brutal and cold-blooded and this is the best in Lewis and we have seen it in the past and he is right there.”

Despite Hamilton gaining ground in the drivers' standings, Valtteri Bottas' retirement, coupled with Verstappen finishing second with the fastest lap and Sergio Perez in fourth, saw Red Bull close the gap to Mercedes in the constructors' battle with the margin down to just five points.

Assessing the Qatar weekend, Wolff added: “It’s funny because the initial feeling is bittersweet. Both championships are so important now and Lewis was great.

"That one point [for fastest lap] is a bit annoying but it’s 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 that is a good indication for what is to come in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.”