Lewis Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff hailed the team effort it took for Mercedes to finish 1-2 at the Russian Grand Prix.
Having trailed Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc during the first stint, the race turned when the German would retire with engine issues causing a Virtual Safety Car that allowed Hamilton to pit and remain ahead.
From that point, it was a case of holding on with the Monegasque still charging in third, but that they would do to continue their incredible 100% record in Sochi.
“An incredible job from all the guys here this weekend, pushing forward, trying to be innovative and never giving up,” Hamilton said post-race.
“It’s incredible to have this result today considering how quick they were off the start. Keeping up with them was an incredibly hard task.
“The car was really fantastic today and a big thank you to everyone here and everyone back at the factory.”
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While it was another subdued race for Valtteri Bottas as he inherited second, his boss made sure to highlight the importance of his role in the closing laps.
“Today it was P2, but clearly he was a big part of us winning,” Wolff said. “If Charles would have got through, the win would have been at risk. Valtteri drove brilliantly.”
It is a result though that has finally brought the formality of securing both world titles into view, as Hamilton now holds a 73-point lead over Bottas with five races to go.
“One foot in front of the other,” was his simple response on that topic. “Of course we need to keep putting performances like this in, this feels like a long time coming.”
Wolff also noted the significance of Sochi and the confidence it will bring.
“It makes it so special. It’s unbelievable because you start to doubt when you have the deficits and you cling on to hopes like the Safety Car,” he explained.
“We’re just overwhelmed. It’s such an important step towards the championship.”