Lewis Hamilton says he didn't gain an advantage from cutting the first corner on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix, which he went on to win in dominant fashion to claim his 51st career victory.
The Mercedes driver got a good start but as he approached Turn 1, he locked-up and ran across the grass. However those behind him were squabbling over second place and team-mate Nico Rosberg, who made contact with Max Verstappen, also ran wide.
Hamilton claims the lock-up caused such a flat-spot that during the race he thought he'd have to make an early stop for fresh tyres, such was the vibration.
"I completely flat-spotted the tyres so that wasn't an advantage but I think I was still in the lead going in, and I was in the lead going out so I don't believe so," he said when asked if he should have been penalised.
"Basically on the formation lap I had a glazed front right brake, I couldn't hook it up so I had 500 degrees on the left front and 150-200 on the right front. Coming into Turn 1 and the right front just woke up and locked, I was carrying so much speed. I was just lucky I didn't go in the wall or something.
"After that I had the biggest vibration, I didn't think I was going to make it through the first stint. I honestly thought I was going to have to stop, the vibration was so big. I could barely see it to be honest but it was really nice when we got some new fresh tyres, much smoother."
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