Hamilton: "I felt in control for the first time in years"

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton only crossed the finish line second at Spa, but he displayed a remarkable performance all through the 44-lap race. The Briton insists that he did not feel in control of a race victory for several years.

Last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton made a superb start from the second row, getting ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez to power into second position. The Briton did not hesitate long to take over the lead on Lap 3, going past the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc on the Kemmel straight.

Although he looked in control of the lead, a strategy decision by his team and George Russell saw his team-mate grab the lead as all other top drivers went for a two-stop strategy. In the final stages of the race, he then rapidly closed down Russell who was on a one-stop strategy. However, it did not prove enough and Hamilton took the flag in second, just 0.5s down.

Reflecting on his race, the seven-time world champion said that he did not have the feeling behind the wheel of his car

"It was literally night and day different today. On Friday, it was pretty disastrous for both of us and really struggling with balance. And then [on Sunday], the car came alive and I was really surprised to, firstly, get into the lead and then be pulling away from everyone and not.

"Yeah, as I said, it felt fully under control and I've not had that for years and so that's why it was also a bit of a strange way to finish it."

The Briton, who clinched his 105th F1 victory at Spa, said that he was slightly surprised by Mercedes' decision to call him in early for his second stop as he constantly gave feedback about the state of his tyres.

"I mean, if you listen, you could have heard what I said to the team most of the time. But yeah, I think the tyres were pretty good. I still had plenty of tyres and I was going quicker. I didn't want to stop."