Hamilton: Learning from quali paved way for win

Lewis Hamilton says his 2016 German Grand Prix win was the result of learning from his “not perfect” qualifying, with the Mercedes driver also crediting his ‘great start’ at Hockenheim.

Lining up alongside pole sitter Nico Rosberg on the grid, the Briton led into the first corner while his team-mate suffered a sluggish getaway. Hamilton then went on to control the event to secure his 49th career victory.

Having cut a somewhat downcast figure after being outshone in qualifying on Saturday afternoon, the triple world champion was brimming with joy following his clean sweep of the four grands prix held in July.

“What a race, obviously yesterday I only had second place, but I got a great start,” Hamilton said. “My engineers did a fantastic job, my balance was amazing and it was just about keeping it cool and looking after my engine.

“I didn’t make any mistakes so in my heart I’m happy with what I did today. I came to do a job and yesterday wasn’t perfect but you learn from those things and today was a real show of looking at the glass half full, and filling it up today.”

Hamilton now heads into the summer break 19 points clear of Rosberg, having trailed the German by as many as 43 after the Spanish Grand Prix in early May.

“I think the whole team, everyone back at the factory, everyone here, that worked so hard the first half of this season, they all need a break, we all need a break so I think it’s really well earned from everyone so a big thank you.”

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