WATCH: Lewis Hamilton’s Masterstroke That Trumped Bottas and Vettel at Spa
Lewis Hamilton bagged another pole position this season. Dominating at Spa Francorchamps, Hamilton inched closer to his 7th World Championship title. While some might brand him as ‘lucky’ or even go to the extent of claiming his success is due to his car, there is no denying that Hamilton holds the perfect strategy to win races.
Yesterday’s race from Hamilton once again proved how well he reads the game to gain advantages. Hamilton was in lead with Valtteri Bottas following him closely. Approaching the Eau Rouge, Hamilton slows down as Bottas reduced the distance between them. However, Hamilton had a different game in mind.
The Kemmel straight was ahead and Hamilton aimed to maintain his advantage. Slowing down on the Eau Rouge, cutting across the turns gave him the stability to unleash full thrust in the Kemmel Straight.
Valtteri Bottas start onboard-
You can see Hamilton slowing down before Eau Rouge so he can maintain the advantage on the Kemmel straight. He done the same against Vettel in 2017.#F1 #BelgianGP #LH44 #VB77 pic.twitter.com/yPHGCCTSmQ— Ben (@BenF1__) August 30, 2020
This wasn’t the first time Hamilton pulled out a stunt like this. Back in 2017, Hamilton was leading with Sebastian Vettel in pursuit. To shake off the Ferrari racer, Hamilton pulled out the same trick. Slowing down at the Eau Rouge while pulling up rapidly in the Kemmel Straight.
Hamilton vs Vettel –
Hamilton slowing before Eau Rouge, surely Bottas had some kind of idea that Lewis was probably going to try this again? 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/vx4YHyCgLv— Ben (@BenF1__) August 30, 2020
Bottas should have anticipated Hamilton would be pulling something like this once again. However, he lost it completely and handed Hamilton the lead.
Lewis Hamilton aims for the record
Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most number of World Championships. His total tally of 7 looks fragile as Hamilton is storming towards it. Already Hamilton has surpassed his record of 155 podium finishes. Hamilton looks confident and tuned up to touch Schumacher’s feat at the end of this year.
Hamilton missed out on the podium in Austria. Occupying 5 1st positions and a 2nd in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, Hamilton leads the Championship race with 10 Grand Prix left to take place.
The next weekend takes us to Monza. Italy is all set to organize three races this year beginning with Monza. Italian side Ferrari is struggling at the moment. Therefore it would be interesting to watch how Mercedes extends the lead in Ferrari’s backyard this weekend.
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