Hamilton surprised by quick turnaround in title race

Lewis Hamilton admits he did not expect to slash Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg’s substantial championship lead that fast, following back-to-back wins in Monaco and Canada.

The gap in the Drivers’ championship has gone from 43 points to just nine within the space of two race weekends, as Rosberg endured a couple of tough outings.

Asked whether he was surprised by the scope of the momentum shift in the title race, Hamilton replied: “Absolutely. I could never have predicted that. If I was to put money down, I would never have tried to predict that.

“I thought Monaco might have been a one off; a fluke kind of thing. But the [Montreal] race was not a fluke, it was a great strong race and then today, the way it unfolded.

Rosberg repeatedly refused to get carried away by his early points lead, and often warned about his team-mate’s fightback. Hamilton is equally prudent on whether he can extend his current winning form.

“Honestly, I am oblivious to a lot of things but the thing I am conscious of is that there is a long way to go. There has never been a doubt this year in terms of my speed, or what I can do in the car, not at all. But of course you never know what can happen next.

“It is a positive in terms of points but Nico is going to continue to push. I am going to continue to push the car for as long as it stays together.

“But the way it is going, I don't see that strength diminishing. I think we are still going to go from strength to strength. There are still things to pick up on, such as the starts. Once we get those hopefully we will get back to where we want to be.”

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