Lewis Hamilton says he had a “synergy” with his Mercedes W09 that he “hadn’t felt all year” after he cruised to victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Hamilton controlled proceedings from pole position at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, only relinquishing the lead through the pit stop phase, to make it back-to-back wins.
Hamilton’s advantage was such that he finished over 20 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas to triumph at the event for the second year in a row.
Hamilton admitted in the aftermath of his Azerbaijan Grand Prix triumph that he “hadn’t felt fully comfortable” in his W09 since the season-opening round Australia, but revelled in the feel of his car after winning in Spain.
“I couldn’t have done it without this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “These guys have done an amazing job. I’m just really proud of everyone.
“Today the car and myself, I felt that synergy today, which I hadn’t been feeling for the whole year. It’s a good feeling.
“A one-two for the team, we’ve got our Mercedes board [here] with us who have been supporting us from day one, so it’s great to have them here and just see that true force within the team. I hope it can continue.”
Bottas backed up Hamilton, taking second place from Sebastian Vettel when the Ferrari driver made a second pit stop during the Virtual Safety Car period.
“Well of course I wanted to fight for the win of the race today, but for the team it was a good race,” he said.
“We had such a good car. The team was so reactive today with the strategy. I never believed we could make a one-stop work, but we could, so I’m happy.
“I think as a team, this weekend we’ve been perfect. We just need to continue like that, and for me the wins will come.”
