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Double world champion Mika Hakkinen admits that he is very impressed by the partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. The two Mercedes drivers swapped position twice during the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting the trust and respect both drivers have for each other.
Hamilton was stuck behind Bottas and requested to be let by in order to attack the Ferrari's ahead. Mercedes carried out the team order on the condition that Hamilton would hand third place back to Bottas if he failed to find a way past at least one Ferrari.
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On the final lap, Hamilton admitted defeat and gave the spot back to Bottas, a move which impressed Hakkinen. The Finn has a close relationship with compatriot Bottas and stated that the decision to allow Hamilton by was a true reflection of his character.
"Seeing Valtteri Bottas move over during last Sunday’s race to let Lewis Hamilton take the fight to Kimi Räikkönen is absolutely typical behaviour for him," said Hakkinen. "He is not selfish in relation to the teams he works for. Like any top driver he is selfish enough to want to win, but also intelligent enough to know that working together will bring the results to the team.
"Later, when I saw Lewis allow Valtteri to overtake him and regain position, I thought to myself that this is a great example of a team working together, a real partnership," he continued. "There were risks involved in that last lap, as Max Verstappen was very quick towards the end of the race. There was always the chance of giving away a position to him, but Valtteri and Lewis managed it perfectly."
Fergal Walsh
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