Lewis Hamilton was on his way for a first-place podium finish when he was robbed of the opportunity by Max Verstappen towards the end of the race.
Hamilton later explained why the team did not go for a two-stop strategy which could have possibly given them a win.
After two horrible race weekends, Mercedes have managed to up their game. However, a win in France could have helped them inch closer to their rivals Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton explains why he did not pit
“He was already quite far ahead the only option I had was to stay out otherwise because he’s again undercutting me he would just come out ahead and I wouldn’t be able to pass, they’re too quick on the straights,” Hamilton said.
“The only option was to stay out as long as possible and hope the tyres hold together.
“We’ve got to find some pace, that’s for sure. Most of the time we lost today was on the straights. We’ve got to dig deep, find out where that is, whether it’s power or drag. We’ve still got a good package,” he concluded.
12 point gap between Lewis and Max
Out of the seven races so far, Hamilton has not had a podium finish in two races – one in Monaco where he placed seventh, and the other in Baku where he placed fifteenth.
His performance in France was a much-needed refreshment for him after he finished second scoring 18 points.
However, with Verstappen taking the win and claiming 25 points, the points gap between the two drivers is now 12.
The Mercedes driver now has his eyes set on the Austrian Grand Prix where he will try and redeem himself.
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