Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton is one victory away from becoming the first driver to achieve triple race wins, having already achieved pole positions a century earlier this year in Spain.
Hamilton claimed his 99th British Grand Prix victory in July, but has since waited to finally reach 100. His bid was compromised by a strategy error in Hungary and then by a poor start in the sprint race in Italy before the clash with his rival for the title. Max Verstappen at the Grand Prix.
Hamilton entered the Russian Grand Prix weekend in a strong position to win thanks to Verstappen’s start behind the grid, but only managed to advance to fourth on Saturday after a messy Q3, behind Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and George Russell.
Hamilton dismissed any kind of superstition about reaching 100 after qualifying, but admitted he felt the wait was longer than ever.
“It will come when it does, but of course I will give absolutely everything tomorrow in pursuit of this number 100,” said Hamilton.
“That’s a big number. It looks like it’s taking longer than ever to get it. It’s a pretty cool number to look forward to.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Photo By: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Hamilton starts Sunday’s race five points behind Verstappen at the top of the drivers’ championship, and will look to regain the top positions to maximize the chances of winning the race and regaining the lead in points.
The crash with Verstappen at Monza left Hamilton struggling with a bit of neck pain after the Red Bull’s wheel lightly touched his helmet.
Over the weekend in Sochi, Hamilton posted videos on social media showing his trainer, Angela Cullen, working on his neck.
When asked if he was still struggling with his neck, Hamilton revealed he felt a little tight after driving the car for the first time since Friday’s crash.
“We did a lot of things last week, I felt really good, I returned to training and came here generally feeling good,” said Hamilton.
“And then after the day in the car, I felt a little tight in the back of my neck and woke up in the morning with aches and pains. I had a few pains yesterday, and we worked on it.
“I woke up again this morning with a little pain in my muscles. Angela was just working on it this morning with a loose trigger point. And then I was just using the gun you use to loosen up the muscle.
“But in general it’s okay. It’s just a little nervous.”
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton is one victory away from becoming the first driver to achieve triple race wins, having already achieved pole positions a century earlier this year in Spain.
Hamilton claimed his 99th British Grand Prix victory in July, but has since waited to finally reach 100. His bid was compromised by a strategy error in Hungary and then by a poor start in the sprint race in Italy before the clash with his rival for the title. Max Verstappen at the Grand Prix.
Hamilton entered the Russian Grand Prix weekend in a strong position to win thanks to Verstappen’s start behind the grid, but only managed to advance to fourth on Saturday after a messy Q3, behind Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and George Russell.
Hamilton dismissed any kind of superstition about reaching 100 after qualifying, but admitted he felt the wait was longer than ever.
“It will come when it does, but of course I will give absolutely everything tomorrow in pursuit of this number 100,” said Hamilton.
“That’s a big number. It looks like it’s taking longer than ever to get it. It’s a pretty cool number to look forward to.”
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Photo By: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Hamilton starts Sunday’s race five points behind Verstappen at the top of the drivers’ championship, and will look to regain the top positions to maximize the chances of winning the race and regaining the lead in points.
The crash with Verstappen at Monza left Hamilton struggling with a bit of neck pain after the Red Bull’s wheel lightly touched his helmet.
Over the weekend in Sochi, Hamilton posted videos on social media showing his trainer, Angela Cullen, working on his neck.
When asked if he was still struggling with his neck, Hamilton revealed he felt a little tight after driving the car for the first time since Friday’s crash.
“We did a lot of things last week, I felt really good, I returned to training and came here generally feeling good,” said Hamilton.
“And then after the day in the car, I felt a little tight in the back of my neck and woke up in the morning with aches and pains. I had a few pains yesterday, and we worked on it.
“I woke up again this morning with a little pain in my muscles. Angela was just working on it this morning with a loose trigger point. And then I was just using the gun you use to loosen up the muscle.
“But in general it’s okay. It’s just a little nervous.”
