2024 Spanish Grand Prix, Sunday – Sam Bloxham
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, in his most recent appearance on the main race podium, happened at the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix. Until the last race weekends, it seemed unlikely that the Mercedes W15 would contribute to Hamilton’s trophy collection.
However, the Brackley-based team experienced an improvement in performance since the Canadian Grand Prix. During that race, Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, secured pole position and finished in third place.
This time, it was Hamilton’s turn to step onto the top step of the podium. However, he was significantly behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who were leading the race when the checkered flag was waved.
Nevertheless, Hamilton expressed great satisfaction in earning 15 valuable points for himself and Mercedes. In the Mercedes post-race report, he stated, “It was an incredibly successful weekend. It’s been a while since I last stood on the podium, so I’m extremely happy!”
“We haven’t reached our maximum potential yet, but we’ve made significant progress in the past few races. Although we didn’t have the speed to compete with the two drivers ahead of us, if we can consistently perform like this, we’ll be in a strong position. We’re on our way to catching them, and that’s really fantastic,” added the 39-year-old driver.
Hamilton believes that with a better race start, he could have had an even better performance. He continued, “Unfortunately, I had a very poor start. The race could have unfolded differently if I had started better, but ultimately, third place was the best I could achieve today.
“I was also pleased with my maneuver over Sainz. I gave him enough space, and we both made it through the corner. It was a crucial move for my race, so I was relieved to have executed it successfully.
“Now, we turn our attention to Austria, and we are looking forward to it,” the British driver concluded.
Russell found himself in the clutches of his teammate during the final stages of the 66-lap race, due to a reckless choice of hard compound tires. He attributed his lack of speed compared to Hamilton at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to this decision: “Several factors worked against us today, unfortunately. Our first pit stop was slow, and the hard tire didn’t perform well in the final stint.
“However, our team’s goal was to maximize our performance today, and we achieved that with the third and fourth places. Lewis had an exceptional race, and we take many positives from the promising races we have had recently.”
Making a bold move on the outside of Norris and Verstappen in the first corner of the opening lap was undoubtedly the highlight of Russell’s Spanish Grand Prix. The individual from King’s Lynn expressed that this was truly a dream come true: “Last night, I dreamt of making a move like the one I did in turn one.
“I never thought it would actually happen the way it did! I remember Fernando Alonso making a similar start in 2013. We had a headwind, so I knew I could brake late. It was a highly satisfying maneuver and it felt incredible to lead a race again.
“Unfortunately, Max and Lando were too fast for us today. However, securing two podiums in two races is very encouraging as we prepare for Austria,” Russell stated.
The Austrian Grand Prix will start on Sunday, June 30th, at 14:00 BST (15:00 local time).
© 2024
The world of sports is filled with excitement and surprises, and this year has been no different. From thrilling victories to devastating defeats, fans have been kept on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable moments in sports in 2024.
In football, the city team won the national championship for the first time in 20 years. With a talented team and impeccable game strategy, they defeated all opponents and won the hearts of fans. The players were welcomed as heroes and the whole city celebrated in the streets.
In basketball, an emerging star stole the spotlight. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest player to score 50 points in a single game. His unmatched skill and talent put him in the spotlight and fans can’t wait to see what he will do next.
In tennis, a player dominated the tournaments. She won all the Grand Slams of the year, setting an impressive record. Her aggressive game and winning mentality made her unbeatable on the courts. She is a true champion and an inspiration to many young athletes.
In motorsport, a driver surprised everyone. He managed to win the Formula 1 World Championship, surpassing all favorites. His driving skills and courage on the tracks made him a true champion. Fans are eager to see what he will do in the next season.
In boxing, an epic fight took place. Two champions faced each other in a breathtaking showdown. The fight lasted 12 rounds and was full of action and drama. In the end, the more skilled fighter emerged victorious, but both competitors showed courage and determination.
These are just a few of the thrilling moments that the world of sports has provided us in 2024. With each new season, we can expect more surprises, broken records, and inspiring stories. Sports is a passion that unites people from all over the world and makes us believe in the power of effort and dedication. Let’s eagerly await what the next year has in store for us.
