Hamilton had a similar strategy to Verstappen in Miami: "Not easy"

Lewis Hamilton had a quiet start to the Miami Grand Prix, but in the end, the British driver recovered from his poor qualifying result on Saturday. However, it's still not where the seven-time World Champion wants to be, and he has his eyes on the upgrades coming at the next race in Imola. 

Hamilton started from 13th and followed a very similar strategy to race winner Max Verstappen. The Brit started on the hard tyre, but couldn't make the same progress as Verstappen due to the lesser performing Mercedes car. He explains the reason for the lack of advance in the early stages. 

"I don't really know about the strategy if that wasn't or was optimal. The start was difficult, being in a DRS train and then trying to overtake a Williams, who are always strong on the straights. It was not easy, but I eventually started to make headway," Hamilton told Sky Sports.

Hamilton gets P6

During the long first stint, Mercedes told Hamilton to let Russell through who was chasing after Ocon. It was a smart move because it allowed Russell to secure P4 and beat both Ferrari drivers. On the other hand, Hamilton could push and eventually beat Leclerc. 

"Once, I had the stop. I was able to really push. The car came a bit alive halfway into the race, and to get 13th to 6th, I am happy with that! We started so far behind. I enjoyed the race. It's nice to have a battle," Hamilton added. 

Hamilton still isn't anywhere near where he wants to be. Mercedes are hopeful that upgrades coming in Imola will have the answers needed. But Hamilton plays it down: "It's an unknown. It's not like I have a second (time gain) upgrade which is what I need. It's something! It's step in the right direction for us to begin to progress," he concluded.