For the second time in three races Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was forced to retire and for the second time in three races this opened up a podium place for a Mercedes. But if in Bahrain he had benefited from Milton Keynes’ problems by climbing on the third step of the podium Lewis Hamilton, in Melbourne luck was on George Russell’s side. The young British talent overtook his teammate thanks to a Safety Car that happened at the right moment and then he never let himself be attacked by the most titled compatriot, who finished fourth at the finish line. Interviewed at the end of the race, however, Hamilton wanted to clarify that he had “Satisfied” of the position, suggesting that perhaps he would have had the pace to trouble Russell.
“George too strong for me today? No, the engine was overheating – the native of Stevenage explained to Sky Sport F1 microphones – I had to lift my foot. I had to settle for fourth place “. Several observers have judged today’s race, in terms of performance, the best of Mercedes in this start of the season. Hamilton, however, analyzing his weekend, did not seem too convinced of the alleged progress made by the W13. “We haven’t taken a step forward – ruled # 44 – the car was the same as in the last two races. But it is a great result for us, considering that we have not made any progress or brought updates. We have learned so much today. I had a couple of different things on the car – he concluded – we have to wait, but we hope to be able to interpret them better thanks to today’s data and to be able to improve for the next race “.
–
