Lewis Hamilton senses a greater sense of satisfaction within Mercedes having retained both Formula 1 championships for the fifth time.
Following the Briton’s fifth Drivers’ title in Mexico, the Brackley-based squad followed it up by clinching the Constructors’ crown in Brazil to ensure Mercedes remain undefeated in the turbo-hybrid era.
The battle that led to their success in 2018 was much different, however, after a season-long fight with Ferrari and it was that which Hamilton believes caused the more rapturous celebrations.
“We win races and we’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of success, but when we win [before] everyone is quite quiet – happy, but quite controlled,” Lewis was quoted by Autosport.
“This time it was just great see everyone [celebrate]. Everyone was just biting their nails through the year, so it was such an incredible effort from everyone.
“It’s never a given, you just have to keep working, keep churning away and that’s what we did, kept hopes high and kept our targets very, very high.
“This should and will have a great end to the year for us but also a great knock-on effect for next year,” Hamilton predicted.
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The 33-year-old also spoke about the extra tension he has felt within Mercedes this season, particularly from his boss Toto Wolff.
“I could see how nervous Toto was,” he said.
“He kept on reminding me how important this was for the team and I was saying, ‘Toto, I know, I’ve been with the team for six years now, I know how important this is and you don’t have to tell me – I did get pole and I’m doing the job, just sit back and let me do what I do.’
“To be able to do that, to see everyone’s excitement, I’ve never experienced the height that I’ve experienced here.”
The jubilation was clear in parc ferme at Interlagos when Hamilton’s jump into the arms of his mechanics brought down the metal barriers which encircle the area.
“When we did the jumping around and everything and we fell off the barrier, I think it might be the best moment that I’ve had with this team,” Lewis concluded.