Hamilton says Mercedes continuing ‘to stay vigilant’ after pace boost

Sir Lewis Hamilton finished third behind Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz at the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Mercedes’ Sir Lewis Hamilton is relieved to be back on the podium after a superb performance in Canada that saw him finish third.

Hamilton managed to get past Fernando Alonso late on in the race to put himself on the podium as George Russell and Esteban Ocon also got ahead with the help of a late Safety Car, and it was the second time this year that the Briton has finished P3.

The first time was all the way back in the opening round of the season in Bahrain, so it will mean a lot to the Silver Arrows to get another haul of 27 points, particularly after another difficult weekend.

READ: Verstappen grateful for straight-line speed advantage after fending off Sainz to Canadian GP victory

“We’ve had such an awesome crowd here this weekend,” said Hamilton after the race.

“It’s quite overwhelming honestly to get this third place, it’s been such a battle this year with the car and as a team.

“But we continue to stay vigilant and focused and never giving up, and that’s something I’m so proud of in this vibe by my crew, so thank you to everyone that’s here and back at the factory.

“They’re a little bit too quick for us at the moment, I was giving it everything but we’re getting closer.

“So, we’ve just got to keep pushing and keep pushing, and eventually hopefully we’ll be in a fight with these guys.”

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The 37-year-old had been complaining of an “undriveable” car on Friday, and even suggested that the set-up changes made had made it worse, and he finished within 10 seconds of winner Max Verstappen after a late Safety Car.

“I could just about seem them in the end thanks to the Safety Car,” laughed Hamilton.

“Our pace was quite good, particularly in the second phase of the stint.

“We did a lot of work back in the simulator but also here to get our set-up right so honestly, I’m ecstatic.

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“I think, as I said, I didn’t expect this coming into the weekend, it’s my second podium of the year, so this feels really special.

“Especially where I got my first grand prix win, I love it here in Montreal so big thank you to all the Canadians.”

Hamilton could barely get out of his car due to the back issues he suffered as a result of bouncing in Baku, but he had no such issues on Sunday.

“It’s good, I’m back to being young!” he affirmed.

Hamilton’s second podium of the year was the second one scored by himself this year, and the fifth managed by Mercedes as a whole.