Hamilton showed another important quality in Russia – Hakkinen

Mika Hakkinen was impressed with one specific quality displayed by Lewis Hamilton in the Russian Grand Prix, one which allowed the race to come to the Mercedes driver.

After a slow start to his afternoon in Sochi, Hamilton progressed from P6 into the top-three during his first stint, and eventually found himself chasing race leader Lando Norris during his second stint.

As he was reeling in the McLaren driver, the seven-time world champion made the timely call to switch to the intermediate tyres when the rain set in while Norris remained out on track.

As conditions worsened in the closing laps, Hamilton took command and sailed to a milestone 100th career win in F1.

An impressed Hakkinen highlighted the Briton's poise and steady composure in the disrupted race, and an ability to patiently work his way into a winning position.

"Lewis Hamilton used all his natural speed and experience to take an amazing 100th Grand Prix victory," Hakkinen wrote in his column for UniBet. "It is a huge achievement for the seven-time World Champion.

"He showed another important quality in the race – patience. It's a quality you learn over time, particularly when you have confidence in yourself, your car and the team.

"You learn to focus on simply driving your best strategy, allowing the race to come to you.

• Read also: Hamilton 'amazed' he's never driven for Ferrari

"You could see that in Sochi. Despite a difficult qualifying and dropping three places at the start, Lewis' recovery was steady.

"He picked off each target and calmly worked his way into the fight with Lando.

"In the dry conditions he found it more difficult to get past Lando's McLaren, so when the rain arrived it became a clear opportunity for Lewis to take."

Hakkinen stressed the importance of the timing of Hamilton's landmark win, his first since his home race at Silverstone in July.

"It is a very important win in relation to the World Championship," added the two-time world champion.

"It is Lewis' first victory since his home win at Silverstone in July, and one he needed to score since championship rival Max Verstappen started from the back of the grid."

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