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Hamilton: Monaco a "reality check" that led to Montreal win

Published on 14 Jun 2017 13:21
4
By: Fergal Walsh

Lewis Hamilton has said that Mercedes' difficult weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix subsequently provided the "reality check" that led to its more dominant pole position and 1-2 finish in Canada.

The Briton revealed that the team had looked carefully at where it went wrong in Monte Carlo in order to rectify its mistakes ahead of the next race. Speaking of its showing in the Principality, he said: "I think it was a reality check for us. It was quite easy to see where we went wrong, and that remained with us throughout the weekend.

"We learned a lot from Monaco, and we learned a lot this weekend. If we apply the same diligence that we did in the last two weeks after every single race, even after a win, we're sure that we can continue to fight. Maybe make it not quite such a rollercoaster ride!"

Elaborating on the specific work that Mercedes did, he added: "I think it was just doing a lot of analysis. A lot of the engine and focusing on different areas to make sure the simulations are right. Because they weren't perfect. We had to understand why the wind tunnel was giving us one reading and the simulator would give us a different reading.

"I went to the factory on Thursday and they were still doing all of the analysis. All I could do was ask further questions and give more feedback, and then really focus on (getting ready for Montreal).

"I was hoping that all that work would pay off and it did. We made no fault in the direction we went in with the settings. It was really down to the team, great minds working together, communicating. Working in a big organisation like this, that doesn't always happen. It's easy to miscommunicate things. We're very open together in moving forward as a team. I just think this was Mercedes at its best. It was our first one-two of the year. In terms of optimal points it was the most powerful we've had and we maximised it."

Mason Hawker

Kevin

Posts: 5,341

Why is it such a big thing he has been to the factory? Schumacher spent his time in the factory all the time when possible.

I don't think Monaco was really a wake up call. It just didn't suit their car. While Montreal definitely suits Lewis. He's very strong on late braking, which favours him on... [Read more]

1
Jun 14 2017 - 13:38

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

Replies (4)

Kevin

Posts: 5,341
Why is it such a big thing he has been to the factory? Schumacher spent his time in the factory all the time when possible.

I don't think Monaco was really a wake up call. It just didn't suit their car. While Montreal definitely suits Lewis. He's very strong on late braking, which favours him on this circuit. I don't expect the same for Baku.
- + 1
- Jun 14 2017 - 13:38
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Yeah, Vettel spend alot of time with the Ferrari team and nobody bats an eye. Ham Ham does the same, and everyone loses their mind.
  
  And you stole the words from my mouth. Monaco wasnt a wake up call, Montreal was a track better suited for Hamilton and, maybe more importantly, Mercedes. Come Spa, Monza or Singapore, and we'll see a wake up call.
  + 0
  
  Jun 14 2017 - 18:22
ENDR

Posts: 43
Nope, the "reality check" didn't lead to a 1-2 finish in Canada. Verstappen hitting Vettel did.
If he hadn't, Vettel would've most likely finished second.
- + 0
- Jun 14 2017 - 16:58
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Yeah, he unfortunately damaged Ferrari's race quite severely when he drover over Vettel's front wing. Though I doubt Vettel would've won either way.
  + 0
  
  Jun 14 2017 - 18:23