Lewis Hamilton is in disbelief at the straight-line speed that Red Bull has after Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman simply waltzed by the seven-time champion heading into Turn 9 and was two seconds clear by the time they reached the line to start the next lap. Hamilton was closer by the end of the race but only because of a late red flag and a parade lap to finish.
Hamilton did manage to finish second behind the reigning champion, which he was delighted about, but he was in disbelief at just how insanely fast they were, especially with DRS.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to catch Red Bull because they came flying past today,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “Max is in another league.
“His car is so fast. He past me down the straight and he was several metres ahead. I don’t know how they’re so quick on the straight, it’s insane.”
Remarkable
Despite the obvious pace deficit to Red Bull, Hamilton couldn’t hide his delight at getting a podium in the third race of the year, especially without Mercedes’ updated car which is due in the coming races.
“I feel so, so happy right now, so grateful,” Hamilton continued. “We arrived with a car that’s been difficult and to be on the podium and getting these points is remarkable.
“Especially at this early stage when we haven’t yet changed the car, it just happened to work pretty well this weekend.”
It was a less successful afternoon for George Russell, though, who although took the lead at Turn 1, ended up seventh after pitting under the safety car which turned into the first red flag.
He then retired from the race through engine failure leaving Hamilton as the only Silver Arrow on track.
