Hamilton’s drive to victory was superb but it was the Mercedes decision to opt for a second stop that really stood out. After they gambled on fresh tyres there was no real opportunity for Red Bull to react; their only hope lay in Max Verstappen making his rubber last and, valiant as his effort was, just trying to stay ahead pushed them over the edge. The Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, described Hamilton’s driving as in “another dimension” but notably paid homage to his team’s strategists. With just over 20 laps remaining they might have settled for the safe option of a guaranteed second place with, perhaps, Hamilton able to challenge Verstappen at the death on the tyres he was happy with. However, strategist James Vowles and his team decided to take the chance of new rubber and a charge. This was bold, impressive and proof the team have not lost any ambition despite their dominance this season.
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