Lewis Hamilton was unable to use his hydration system on Sunday during the sweltering French Grand Prix. Despite this, the seven-time world champion finished in second place, recording his best result of the season.
Hamilton, 37, found out on lap 20 that he was unable to drink due to a malfunction. “I don’t drink much during a race anyway and luckily I had drunk a lot beforehand,” the Mercedes driver said during the press conference.
“No water came out when I pressed the button. I’ve had it before, although the conditions were different then. Actually, this was the first time this year that I wanted a drink during a race and especially now nothing came out. It’s not too bad, I drank a lot immediately afterwards.”
Hamilton drove a strong race at Paul Ricard and only had to tolerate winner Max Verstappen. “This result shows that we are making progress, although it is going too far to say that we are really closing the gap,” continued Hamilton, who drove his 300th Grand Prix of his career in France.
“I wasn’t really into that milestone at first, but this morning I woke up and suddenly I started realizing it. I thought of everyone who helped me achieve all of this, there are too many to mention. Me I’m grateful to them all.”
Russell: ‘Despite a good result, there is still hope to improve’
George Russell rounded out the Mercedes party on Paul Ricard by finishing third. It was the first time this year that both drivers of the German stable were allowed to take the podium.
Although 24-year-old Russell was happy to take the podium for the fourth time in his career, he did put his team on edge at the press conference. “It’s a nice result, but the gap to Max and Charles is still big,” said Russell.
“There is still a lot to improve in qualifying, we have to understand why we are much too slow there. We do have the right direction for the direction we have to go. That took a long time. But partly because of that, look I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season.”
Like their fellow drivers, Russell and Hamilton will be in action for the last time next week before the summer break when the Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled in Budapest.