Hamilton: Ferrari have taken a step back

By the time the dust had settled (make that rain) standing tallest was world champion elect Hamilton, again inflicting maximum damage while his title rival Sebastian Vettel tripped up on a day in which Ferrari seriously messed up their strategy with a huge gamble in Q3.

Speaking after qualifying, Hamilton declared, "Ferrari have taken a step back for whatever reason but we've not let that deter us from improving the car and stepping forward."

"Naturally it's great when you see us do pretty much a perfect job. it's hard for others to compete with that when you have the strength that we're showing."

Ferrari appeared to have taken their eye off the ball, reportedly bluffed by the Mercedes crew into believing that the silver cars had been shod with intermediates, only to realise when the cars were on track for their final runs that they had been duped.

Hence the "masterstroke" comment by Silver Arrows team chief Toto Wolf as he joyfully congratulated his pitwall when it became apparent that Hamilton and Bottas had done the business and Ferrari had capitulated.

Hamilton also questioned Ferrari tactics, "The Ferraris pulled out of the garage on the inters and I honestly didn't think it was the right decision."

"Every team has smart people but ultimately, when it comes to being under pressure, making the right decisions, the right calls, that's why we are the best team in the world."

"The last six years with this team has been incredible and I'm just so grateful for everyone's hard work which has enabled me to go out and exploit my own abilities."

"It's incredibly rewarding. Collectively as a team we're performing the best that I think we've ever performed. Even if we have a hint of pressure from wherever it may be, we're able to sit back and still deliver strong performance like today."

"The guys back in the factory, the guys here, brought their 'A-games' this weekend," added Hamilton, who leads the championship with five rounds remaining, and will start from the top spot on the grid while Vettel lines up in eighth place.