Lewis Hamilton overcomes failure to celebrate milestone

Hamilton, Mercedes, France, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images

French Grand Prix

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Hamilton overcomes failure to celebrate milestone

Hamilton finished second in France

Ewan Gale

Sunday 24 July 2022 17:25

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he raced without a drinks bottle on the way to his best result of the season in searing heat at the French Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver made a fantastic start from fourth on the grid and instantly jumped Sergio Perez's Red Bull.

Although unable to challenge Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, Hamilton held the Mexican at a comfortable distance.

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Leclerc's crash when leading the race promoted Hamilton to second, a position he would keep to secure his first top-two of the campaign on the weekend he became the sixth driver in F1 to reach 300 races.

George Russell completed a positive day for the Silver Arrows with third, the first double podium for the team since the penultimate round of last season.

But describing an issue within the cockpit during a race where air temperatures reached the mid-30 degrees Celsius range, Hamilton said: "That was actually a tough race because my drinks bottle didn't work.

"But what a great result, considering we have been so far off these guys this weekend.

"Reliability is one thing my team has been amazing at so a huge congratulations to the team back at the two factories, the team here who, without them, we couldn't get this podium and George did an amazing job today as well."

On how the malfunctioning drinks bottle affected him, the seven-time champion added: "I didn't see my weight just now but I would imagine [I lost] around three kilos.

"It is enough! I am looking forward to downing the rest of this drink."

Hamilton presses for Hungary upgrades

The Mercedes has shown improved race pace over the past few events with Hamilton and Russell able to at least push Red Bull and Ferrari on Sundays.

On the team's prospects for the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of the summer break, Hamilton conceded: "It is going to be hard to beat the Ferraris and the Red Bulls, you see they have a pace advantage still.

"I am hoping we will bring some sort of upgrade and take a step closer to them. You can see us in the race, we are able to lean on them a little bit so hopefully, it will be even closer."