Lewis Hamilton relieved to perform at Yeongam, admits to Sebastian Vettel’s dominance – Formula 1
McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton after the 2011 Korean Grand Prix said that he felt really good to claim the podium position but also added that it was almost impossible to compete with Sebastian Vettel in the race on Sunday.
Hamilton finished 12 seconds behind Vettel by the end of the race and although he did well to keep Webber’s Red Bull at bay to end up second. He admitted that he was no match for Vettel and was not able to overtake him.
Hamilton has been at odds with his driving form, facing quite a bit of criticism on his on-track behaviour and the visits to the stewards were not helping the matters either. The Korean Grand Prix came at a very good time for Hamilton, not only did he score
his first podium position out of six races, but he also finished second in the race behind Vettel and ahead of other Red Bull driver Webber, who was quicker in pace but Hamilton skilfully handled his race to finish second.
BBC asked Hamilton if this was one of his best races, the Brit responded, “Definitely, definitely. I think, especially with the amount of pressure that I was being put under, it was very easy to lock up, make a mistake or go wide, and I didn't do that once.
I was very happy in terms of that performance and, of course, the last five races I've not been anywhere near this position so it feels good to be there.”
“Mark drove really well throughout the whole race and congratulations to Sebastian,” Hamilton added. “They were massively quick throughout the weekend, particularly in the race, and it was impossible to be able to really catch Sebastian and overtake.”
Hamilton however did mention that he had some issues with understeer in his McLaren, and said that was the biggest reason he was not able to increase on the gap between him and Webber. He was able to catch him on the corners where Hamilton was unable to
turn the car like he wanted to and lost a lot of pace.
Overall it was a good performance from the Brit, although a bit late for the championship but he would still be relieved to have performed the way he did.
It would be interesting to see how he ends the season with still three races to go. The next race is on October 30, 2011 at the newly developed Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi, India.
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