Russian Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes’ recent reliability woes are “a concern”, as team-mate Nico Rosberg’s Sochi retirement makes it three mechanical failures out of the last four races.
Lining up second on the grid, the Briton tried to overhaul his title rival at the start but the latter defended well and led the opening laps before complaining of an issue with his throttle pedal.
After running wide several times, Rosberg eventually retired, thus paving the way for Hamilton’s 42nd career win. The German already had to withdraw with a Mercedes power unit problem at Monza last month.
Having been himself on the receiving end of a broken Mercedes clamp at Singapore, Hamilton feels sympathetic to Rosberg.
“Reliability of course is something that we’ve focused on a huge amount for the last year and a half,” said the championship leader. “For whatever reason, we’re struggling or having a little bit more problem with it.
“Nico has been incredibly unfortunate to suffer the worst. I honestly don’t know what happened to his car so I can’t really comment on it.
“I know we’ll be working as hard as we can to rectify and hope that in the next races we don’t have a problem but of course this a concern.”
Hamilton also had a reliability alert when he was told over team radio that there was “some suspect performance from the rear wing” with three laps to go.
Despite this late scare, the 30-year-old, who now leads today’s runner up Sebastian Vettel by 66 points with Rosberg a further seven adrift, says he was able to truly savour his ninth win of the season.
“I don’t really know what was wrong with the car. I don’t think it was DRS. There was something happening with the rear end, hence the reason the pace started slightly decreasing.
“Those last five laps, I was just really taking in all in, just looking at the car – obviously driving my laps – just absorbing, thinking that at some stage… I don’t know how many times I will be in that position again, really cherishing the moment and feeling really blessed.
“I have loved driving this car and am truly grateful.”
Hamilton’s victory at Sochi Autodrom also means he is undefeated in the Black Sea’s Olympic resort, having claimed top spot during the first two editions of the Russian Grand Prix.
Hamilton close to title after Russian GP win
AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix
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