"If you don't know my preparations are on point by now, you never will," says Hamilton after heavy criticism for London demo absence
Monday 17 July 2017 12:26, UK
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff believe the Mercedes driver's critics have been silenced by his dominant performance in the British GP.
Consigning his no-show at F1's London event to history, a masterful Hamilton secured his fifth victory at Silverstone with the fifth 'Grand Slam' of his career after claiming pole position and the fastest lap as well as leading every lap.
"I am loving driving. I feel like l am at my prime and I feel like l am driving better than ever," said Hamilton.
"I'm not here for fun and giggles, I'm here to win this championship," he added to Sky Sports News HQ.
But Hamilton's most telling response to his critics was made on the track as he swatted aside his rivals and consistently delivered laps one second faster than the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel as he built up an insurmountable lead by the halfway stage of the race.
"Extracting maximum performance is an answer to the critics," said Wolff.
"I don't understand why the British hero was being beaten up before his home grand prix and l think that made him even more determined to show his fans how he can drive - and he can drive."
Brilliant Hamilton cuts Vettel's title lead
Courtesy of his victory, Hamilton has closed the gap to title leader Sebastian Vettel to just one point - with 250 still to play for at the halfway stage of the season.
"There's no need to question my preparations," Hamilton said. "I have more poles than most and I am building up the wins. If you don't know my preparations are on point then I guess you never will."
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton added: "I'm very fortunate that I know what is right for me. I know how to get myself ready.
"I wouldn't have the poles that I have, I wouldn't have the wins that I have. I train myself and know what to do to get myself ready. This weekend has shown it.
"I'm really happy with all that negativity that came into the weekend, to be able to perform the way I have - the qualifying lap was so good, it was awesome - and then today's race. You could see the pace I had, I was under control, and I didn't have any slips or lack of focus."
Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
