Quotes top 3 drivers after F1 Suzuka race 2017 08.10.2017: Winner Lewis Hamilton is welcomed by Takuma Sato, the winner of the Indinapolis 2017 race: "I had a great start. It is great to win

Winner Lewis Hamilton is welcomed by Takuma Sato, the winner of the Indinapolis 2017 race: "I had a great start. It is great to win here. Magnificent race. In Japan the support is immense. The fans always look after us.



It was not easy as Max drove a sensational race. I had vibrations on the last lap and Max and the Red Bulls were quick today. I was able to hold them behind. Specially delicate with the safety cars where the tires were cold. It was difficult.



 I could not have dreamt of such a gap. Relieability is there. My team is so meticulous. A great thank you for the guys back in the factory. It's great to have such a beautiful day here. Max drove an outstanding race, it wasn't easy for us at all.


The Red Bulls just seem to be rapid in race trim. I was able to just hold him, but it definitely got close at the end, especially in traffic!


I had a good start and then the race was pretty much under control. In my mirror I saw them behind me. It was crucial to have the Ferrari behind and the Red Bull.


I had a one stop strategy. I knew the others were going to be on a two stop. It was on the limit.



The guys behind me were quick on the straight line. It closed up


The temperature in the tires was dropping when we had the virtual safety car. Max’s car was really big in my mirror. It was not an easy walk in the park today. I had to work hard for this race.



Is the drivers World Championship trophee in sight? It is unbelievable to know that we are where we are. I was excited to have a good race with Sebastian. It is a lot about reliability and not only speed on the track. We have a great platform.


The guys are leaders in the area of reliability. I want to thank everyone at the factory. Anything can happen in life. 100 points is still a log way to go.


I enjoyed fighting against Max. He has done a great job and very consistent. The last race he was too quick. This race, he was quicker in qualifying than the race.  He is not making mistakes.


On the long straight I was thinking of my age while he was behind me...


I am not letting this little young boy pass me...A young talent comes through. He ll be here after I stop.


To be honest it is not important to change my approach. I try to look after my car. I am not taking any crazy risks. I am trying to continue what I am doing. There is not much more I can do.


Reliability is everything. We had vibrations. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the engines. I don’t think it is with the engine.



Only with low shifting. I don’t like so much this type of noises.




Max Verstappen ­ P2 :

"It was a great day again, I think Suzuka is great for me, Verstappen smiles. "We had great pace in the last 2-3 laps, I gave it all - but we had a really good day, the car is improving race to race. I love the track.


The pace here was promising. When I switched to soft tires the pace was better. The last two-three laps I gave it all. I am very happy about that.



Difficult to say if the win was in my hand or not in sight. I knew that Lewis was managing his tires. The start was very crucial. I could realise that he had an issue.


The first stint was alright. I did not want to destroy my tires in case I needed them in the end.


We were competitive through the corners. It seemed to work in the race. Suzuka is pretty good to me. Now I am having luck. This is good.





Daniel Ricciardo : P3rd.


I am happy. "This is my first podium here," Ricciardo says. "My objective was to get on here, and I have it. Arigato. I had Valtteri coming at the end, which was more exciting! My objective was to get the podium here. I have.



Suzuka  is a track that I love. I look strong. I always enjoyed the track here. It was not exciting this race. But Valterri put pressure over me towards the end.



I had Valterri behind me. The race was pretty long after I lost out in the start. A bit like last week. I was a bit lonely . Valterri coming at the end made it a bit exciting for me and Valterri kept it opened for me. But here it is difficult to overtake. You  know that the race it self was not really exciting. I wanted my first Suzuka podium and I got it.


I was expecting to see Max. But I don’t think I could have done anything else. It was a jump on the line- Ocon was better too. I ll see if I could have done something better when I ll replay the race.




-Agnes Carlier, photo Sutton Images