The post-race press conference with Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton took place today.
Track Interviews – Conducted by Nico Rosberg
Q: The Formula 1 race today was exceptionally exciting. Lewis, finishing in P3, how do you feel about beating the Red Bulls and McLaren fair and square?
Lewis Hamilton: I want to express my gratitude to the incredible crowd this weekend. A big congratulations to McLaren on their 1-2 finish. Seeing my old team back up front is a great feeling. We didn’t perform as well as the McLarens or Red Bulls, but the team did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. It was tough to maintain the pace early on, and the battle at the end was intense. Overall, I’m happy with the points and thankful to the team.
Q: Can you share your experience of battling with Max in the race?
LH: It was challenging to hold off Max’s pace. He made a move on me, but it resulted in a clash. It was a racing incident, and I had to stay composed.
Q: Your thoughts on Oscar’s first win?
LH: Congratulations to Oscar on his fantastic performance. He has shown great consistency and deserved the win. It was only a matter of time before he achieved this milestone.
Q: Well done, Lewis. Looking forward to seeing more progress in the upcoming races. Lando, congratulations on the team’s success. How do you feel about McLaren’s performance and the 1-2 finish?
Lando Norris: It was a fantastic day for the team. We have worked hard to achieve this result, and it shows our progress. Oscar did a great job, and he deserved the win. It was a team effort, and I’m proud of everyone’s performance.
Q: The team orders situation was quite tense. Can you elaborate on your decision to let Oscar through?
LN: The team asked me to let him through, so I did. It was the right decision, and I trust the team’s judgment.
Q: Are you optimistic about the rest of the season and McLaren’s chances in the championship?
LN: We have a strong team and a competitive car. We will continue to push for more wins and aim for the championship. It’s a long season, and anything can happen.
Q: Thank you, Lando. Oscar, how does it feel to win your first Formula 1 race on a Sunday?
Oscar Piastri: It’s a very special feeling. Winning in F1 has been a dream come true for me. I’m grateful for the team’s support and the opportunity to race in F1.
Q: What are your thoughts on McLaren’s performance and the car’s potential?
OP: The car has been exceptional, and today’s victory was a team effort. I’m thankful for McLaren’s support and the opportunity to race at the front of the grid.
Q: How did you feel during the battle with Lando at the end of the race?
OP: I was confident that the team would handle the situation correctly. I focused on maintaining my position and securing the win.
Q: Do you believe this win is the first of many in your career?
OP: I hope so. I still have areas to improve, but I’m grateful for the team’s support and the opportunity to compete in F1. I look forward to more wins in the future.
Q: Looking ahead to Spa, do you expect McLaren to continue their strong performance?
OP: I believe we have the potential to perform well at any circuit. The team has been strong all season, and I’m confident in our abilities at Spa.
Q: Lando, congratulations on McLaren’s success this weekend. How do you summarize the team’s performance?
LN: It was a fantastic weekend for us as a team. We showed great pace and teamwork, and the 1-2 finish was well-deserved. Our journey to this point has been incredible, and I’m proud of the team’s efforts.
Q: How challenging was it to give up the race win to Oscar?
LN: I didn’t feel I deserved the win, considering the start I had. Oscar performed better, and it was the right decision to let him through. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the fair thing to do.
Q: Can you share your thoughts on McLaren’s championship prospects and the team’s approach to team orders?
LN: McLaren has shown strong performance, but we still have a long way to go in the championship. Team orders are discussed before every race, and we have a mutual respect and trust within the team.
