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Lewis Hamilton was “greatly” affected by his experience with COVID-19 after finishing third in his return to Formula One in an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen.
Seven-time champion Hamilton missed the previous race in Bahrain after testing positive for coronavirus, but was able to get back in the car for the final grand prix of the season in the United Arab Emirates.
Mercedes driver and teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, made donuts on the grid at the end of a season in which the Silver Arrows won the drivers ‘and constructors’ championships.
Despite being unable to gain ground in the race, Hamilton admitted that he found it much more difficult to cope with the physical demands after suffering from the coronavirus.
“It was a very difficult race for me physically. All year I have been physically good, but today I was not, so I am glad it finished. A big, big thank you to the team for their continued support. It is still a fantastic result. to get two podiums, “said Hamilton.
When asked specifically if contracting COVID-19 affected his race, he replied: “In terms of physics, massively, yes. I don’t think I’ve ever been this exhausted [during a race].
“My body doesn’t feel very good. But look on the bright side, I made it, I didn’t think at any point last week that I would be here, so I’m really thankful for my health and for being alive.”
“I look forward to recovering over the next period of time we have and getting back to training and getting my body to where I know it should be.
“You can’t win them all. Considering the last two weeks I’ve had, I’m really happy with the weekend. It’s obviously not 100 percent, it’s not as good as we’d like, but kudos to Max.”
Pole-sitter Verstappen had no interest in joining the donut-making on the track after a dominant race in which he led every lap.
“I enjoyed winning, I will enjoy the podium and then I will enjoy going home,” said the Red Bull driver.
“Yesterday was already very pleasant, but today we had a good start and from there we only took care of the tires, but the car had a really good balance. Once you start ahead you can control the pace a little more and that makes your life a little easier.
“I saw they were falling behind me [late on] So I could take it a little easier I had to go through the back markers, but overall it was a very strong race for the team. “
Bottas confessed to being surprised by Verstappen’s pace and did not think he could have done anything more to deny the Dutchman victory.
“I think Red Bull was too fast today, surprisingly fast. We thought the race pace would be pretty identical, but they were able to control the race,” Bottas said.
“I tried everything I could, but couldn’t keep up with them. I feel like it was a solid race on my part, with no mistakes and I felt like I couldn’t get more out of the package we had.
“At least ahead of my teammate and it’s been a while since I’ve been on the podium and it’s going to be nice even though there won’t be any champagne there.”
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