Lewis Hamilton overcomes ‘hardest weekend’ in Formula 1 to claim memorable Brazilian Grand Prix victory

The seven-time world champion kept his hopes of defending his title alive with a stunning charge through the field in Interlagos

Jamie Braidwood
Monday 15 November 2021 03:27 EST
Comments
Verstappen To Use #1 If He Wins World Title

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lewis Hamilton said his stunning victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday came at the end of the “hardest weekend” the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has experienced in the sport.

The 36-year-old produced a memorable drive from 10th on the grid, overtaking title rival Max Verstappen with 11 laps of the race remaining to cut the Dutchman’s lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to 14 points with three races of the season to go.

It keeps the thrilling title battle between Hamilton and Verstappen alive after the Mercedes driver suffered a couple of key setbacks on a dramatic weekend in Sao Paulo.

Hamilton, after taking an engine penalty before Friday’s qualifying session, was ordered to start Saturday’s sprint race at the back of the grid due to an infringement of DRS regulations, before battling to fifth place.

After executing another remarkable surge through the field during Sunday’s race, Hamilton said the victory was one of the greatest he had achieved during his racing career.

“What a race, the team did an amazing job,” Hamilton said during the podium interviews.

“I was pushing as hard as I could. From last on the grid, and then another five-place penalty – I think that’s the hardest weekend I’ve had.

“But my Dad reminded me of 2004 and a race we did in Formula 3, where I started last and then finished 10th and then finished first, so this one is for my Dad.

“Coming into this weekend, I never would have thought that we would cut the gap like we have done today. Things kept going against us, but it just shows – never give up, whatever you are facing.

“You’ve got to keep pushing, keep fighting. Never, ever stop fighting. That’s really how I approached this weekend – inspiration from all around. It feels like the first [win], because I hadn’t won in a while.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in