Lewis Hamilton says he was in control and managing the gap to fend off Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and win Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix.
– Hamilton extends F1 lead with Canadian GP victory
– Nico Rosberg: “I was pushing like mad”
– McLaren: Dennis hints at Magnussen loan move
Sitting on pole, the championship leader enjoyed a strong getaway to retain first place before opening a 4s gap during his initial stint. Hamilton then saw Rosberg “push like mad” to fight back within one second after the pair had made their pit stop, but the German was unable to get into DRS range and mount a proper attack on the race leader.
“Basically at that period I was just fuel saving and managing the gap within one second,” Hamilton said. “Nico was quick, but I felt like I always had a little bit of time in my pocket to be able to pull out when I needed to, so it was never too serious.
“I didn’t feel I had the most comfortable balance, I was generating a lot of understeer but I never really felt too much under pressure.”
After the Monaco debacle, Hamilton admits his fourth Montreal win – after 2007, 2010, and 2012 – could not have come at a better time.
“Did I need this? I think so. I love Montreal! I love this track, I love this city and it’s really just a fantastic weekend and great to get back on the top step.”
The defending champion now has a 17-point edge over Rosberg in the Drivers’ standings.
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