Lewis Hamilton says Sebastian Vettel’s opening-lap overtake at the Belgian Grand Prix came as “no surprise”, after the Ferrari driver went on to record victory.
Hamilton retained the lead from pole into La Source but was followed closely by front-row starter Vettel, who used the slipstream to cruise past his rival along the Kemmel Straight.
Hamilton was unable to offer a response and Vettel retained the lead throughout, going on to record a victory that reduced Hamilton’s title advantage to 17 points.
“I knew that was going to happen, so it’s not a surprise,” said Hamilton on the move.
“We were generally often quicker in the middle sector in qualifying, but for some reason in the race, I couldn’t keep up.
“That’s some serious pace they had today. We’ve just got to keep working hard and keep pushing.”
Hamilton was presented with an opportunity at the restart when he remained close to Vettel on the run to Bus Stop chicane, but opted out of a move, and did not challenge thereafter.
“I probably could have gone on the inside to the last corner maybe, but I knew they would just overtake us on the straight,” said Hamilton.
“I tried to stay close but they pulled away out of the last corner… By the time it came out of Turn 1, he was quite far ahead.”
