Formula 1®
Lewis Hamilton Wins Rain-soaked Suzuka
Overshadowed by Marussia pilot Jules Bianchi’s accident – we wish him a speedy recovery – Mercedes Lewis Hamilton grabbed the win in spectacular fashion, taking his third consecutive checkered flag and driving his third consecutive DHL Fastest Lap. The Brit now leads both the Drivers’ and Fastest Lap tables.
“He’s very superior and I think he’s going to do it again in Japan.” That’s what Christian Danner said in Singapore after the 2008 World Champion drove his second consecutive Fastest Lap of the season, pulling even with teammate Nico Rosberg.
But Rosberg didn’t make it easy from the pole position. It was a duel that everyone anticipated, and it quickly heated up on the wet, slippery Suzuka track once the race got going under normal conditions after a rain delay and a safety car start.
Pressure pays off
The Brit spent 20 laps putting the pressure the German – and his persistence finally paid off. Down the straight Rosberg was forced to defend the inside line, allowing Hamilton to make a spectacular move around the outside. There was no turning back after that as he quickly put distance between himself and his teammate.
“It was very very difficult to keep the car on the road.” (Christian Danner)
Hamilton’s Fastest Lap came while he was leading the race, which his quite remarkable considering the conditions.
“It was very very difficult to keep the car on the road because it was wet, it was slippery, it was greasy out there,” says Danner. “[Lewis] said after the race that he found such a wonderful rhythm. And that’s why he set the DHL Fastest Lap.”
Hamilton in the lead
Lewis Hamilton’s win in Suzuka extends his lead on drivers’ table ever so slightly, putting him now ten points ahead of Nico Rosberg. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes has just about sealed the deal with another one-two finish, with Red Bull and Williams falling behind.
In the race for the DHL Fastest Lap Award, the Silver Arrows continue their duel as Hamilton pulls ahead of Rosberg at 6 to 5 with only four races to go!
See all Danner’s Fastest Lap Tips and Reviews!
Christian Danner shares the Fastest Lap story with us each week and you can have a look back at his past picks and reviews at any time on DHL's YouTube channel.
Before and after each Grand Prix this season, Christian Danner offers up his pick for the DHL Fastest Lap and then reviews that perfect lap after the race. “One thing that is so cool about the fastest lap,” says Danner, “is that there’s always a story behind the story.”
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