Sochi (Russia) (AFP)

The Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Sunday winner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Russia, was "not particularly confident" before approaching the race, Ferrari having posted a much better pace Friday and Saturday on the Sochi Autodrome .

Q: How much did you think you could win?

A: "We were not particularly confident, so we decided to adopt another tire strategy and I hoped it gave us an opportunity to fight with them at some point in the end. makes the right choice. (...) It's an incredible day for the team considering the challenges we had to face.This weekend, we knew that we needed to get more out of the car and the potential was there, but we did not know where to find it, we got a little bit closer to the Ferrari and it was enough to beat them. "

Q: After three consecutive Ferrari wins, should that be welcome?

A: "We waited a long time but it's also like it's the first time, it's pretty special."

Q: In a situation like this, do you think of the world title for which you are a favorite or just to win?

A: "I'm trying not to think about it, it's not that complicated, just focus on what you have in front of you, it's not easy right now, so, honestly, I'm trying to concentrate on trying to be the best and the most efficient race after race Ferrari, Charles (Leclerc), Valtteri (Bottas), Seb (Vettel), Max (Verstappen), Carlos (Sainz Jr) and others are very good at the moment, it's one of the best years I've ever seen, it means everyone, including me, needs to raise their level of play. I take the races one after the other.The next time (in Japan October 13, ed), it will still be difficult to beat (Ferrari) but we have shown that it is not impossible.

Interviewed at a press conference.

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