Hamilton's Styrian Grand Prix win 'felt like a long time coming'
Reigning Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win of the year at the Styrian Grand Prix and said it "felt like a long time coming".
Having been pushed back from March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 F1 campaign got under way with the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, where Valtteri Bottas triumphed.
Hamilton finished second but was demoted to fourth due to a five-second time penalty for a collision with Alex Albon.
The Mercedes driver was far more successful in the second straight race at the Red Bull Ring, though, impressively taking pole by more than a second in wet conditions before converting that advantage into a victory on Sunday.
It was Hamilton's first triumph since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December and he was pleased to end the wait.
"I'm so grateful to be back in first place. It feels like a long time coming since the last race last year, so to come back this weekend after a difficult first week, this is a great step forward," said Hamilton.
"I have to say a big thank you to my team and everyone back at the factory. What a weird year it is, but it's great to be back up here and to be driving and with this kind of performance.
"The team did a fantastic job with the strategy and then it was just for me to keep it together, stay off the kerbs and keep it home."
It's a 1-2 for @MercedesAMGF1 as @LewisHamilton takes the win from @ValtteriBottas at the Styrian Grand Prix! #AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/jqaJlF8TZF
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 12, 2020
Max Verstappen lacked the pace to close in on Hamilton in the second half of the race and instead had to focus on fending off Bottas, which he did superbly around the outside of turn four after the Finn made his move on lap 66.
However, Bottas passed him successfully on the next lap to complete a Mercedes one-two and retain a six-point advantage over Hamilton in the drivers' standings.
"Obviously, Lewis started on pole, he had a good start and he could really control the race and there was not quite as much happening as last weekend," said Bottas.
"From my side, starting fourth today was damage limitation so still got a few points so it's not too bad. I could've been more satisfied, but it's not been a bad first couple of races."