BARCELONA – Lewis Hamilton took only his second podium finish of the Formula One season as part of a Mercedes podium double, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated again to win the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.
Starting from fourth on the grid, the 38-year-old, seven-time former World champion Hamilton overcame a collision with McLaren’s Lando Norris on the first lap to go in pursuit of Verstappen, eventually leading home teammate George Russell who started in 12th.
“I am so happy after today. I didn’t expect us to come here this weekend and finish second. I was able to keep everything under control today,” Hamilton said.
“We couldn’t keep up with the Red Bull of Max as they are in another league, but this is still a really positive result.
“For George to come through from P12 to P3 is also spectacular. I feel incredibly grateful to the whole Team, everyone back at the factory to Team LH all over the world who are always sticking by me.”
The outcome could have been different for Hamilton after he made contact with Norris in Turn One, forcing his rival into the pits for a new front wing.
Hamilton then engaged in a sterling battle with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who had started from second on the grid. He found himself trailing the Spaniard after pitting on lap 26 but got by on lap 28 to return to second where he eventually finished.
“We are learning more and more about the car. I am hoping that the car continues to be like it was this weekend,” said Hamilton, whose paternal grandparents hail from Grenada.
“I am hoping from here onwards we are in a good place. For sure, there will be some circuits where the car isn’t quite in the right window but hopefully the next few races should suit us.”
Hamilton lies fourth in the standings on 87 points, 12 points behind Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in third, with Verstappen top on 170 and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez back in second on 117 points.
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