Merc and Hamilton in perfect harmony
There were shades of Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher in the manner of Hamilton’s victory, as he found himself forced to trust in a strategic call made directly from the pitwall, that in turn put trust in him to deliver a performance of the highest order.
It was at this very circuit where Schumacher delivered one of his best victories in harness with Brawn’s strategic genius. Back in 1998, the future F1 boss switched his driver to a brave three-stopper that handed Michael the lead, but then required a series of qualifying-style laps to allow him to keep it after his third stop. He got his head down and posted a memorable defeat of Mika Häkkinen and McLaren.
Now, 21 years later, here was Mercedes calling Hamilton in for a surprise second stop and setting him a similarly demanding challenge, to use his fresh tyres to their maximum to reel back a 20 second gap in just 20 laps.
From his radio calls, Lewis clearly had his doubts. In truth, there was little risk on Merc’s part because second was already in the bag. But chief strategist James Vowles saw a chance to arm Hamilton with what he needed to take the lead from Verstappen, with much less risk than he’d needed on that valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt earlier in the race.
And so it proved. “My tyres are dead,” reported Verstappen as the laps counted down and Hamilton closed in. The decisive move three laps from the end was a good one, Hamilton choosing the outside line at Turn 1 to rely on his extra grip to power him out of the corner ahead – but it was also relatively easy. Verstappen had no answer.
Afterwards, Lewis said he’d have fancied his chances even without the second stop – he always backs himself and why wouldn’t he? – but the strategy surely eased his path. In the first scenario, on equally worn rubber to his rival, he’d have needed a ‘big moment’ move to win. As it was, once he’d put in the hard yards by closing the gap, the pass was relatively straightforward.
“Sorry I doubted the strategy, that was a tall order,” said Hamilton on the cool-down lap. But as with Schumacher and Brawn in 1998, the team knew he had it in him – and made victory his for the taking.
And now as a consequence, heading into the summer break, Hamilton has one hand securely fastened on a sixth world title. That previously hopeful talk of a Red Bull/Verstappen title surge has surely been quashed.