Despite giving everything he had during the Brazilian Grand Prix, World Champion Lewis Hamilton was forced to settle for second behind Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Nico Rosberg, and bemoaned the lack of opportunities to overtake.
Hamilton was in the wheel tracks of Rosberg for much of the race, but was not able to get close enough to make an attempt to pass his team-mate for the lead, even if he thought an alternative strategy may have given him that shot.
“I felt good out there today,” said Hamilton. “I was pushing like crazy and genuinely had nothing left. I really love this track but it’s so difficult to overtake.
“I was all over Nico but couldn’t get past as the DRS Zone sadly just wasn’t long enough. It would be great to do something different strategy-wise once in a while to mix it up – but as drivers we rely on the team.
“They do so many simulations that they know what’s best. The three-stop strategy was slower but the tyres wouldn’t have lasted, so it was the right decision.”
Hamilton praised team-mate Rosberg for his performance in Interlagos, and felt the car has changed since the Singapore Grand Prix, something he needs to work on to get back into the zone during qualifying.
“At the end of the day, Nico drove a fantastic race and he’s done a great job in qualifying recently too,” said Hamilton. “Since Singapore the car has changed a bit which seems to have swung it towards him – but I just need to get my head down, work out why that is and get back on top of it for the final race.
“It has been fantastic being here in Brazil with these amazing fans. There is a lot of love in their hearts. Thank you to the organizers for a great event and see you next year!”
