That's how racing should be, declares triumphant Hamilton
Mercedes came out on top in an intense tactical battle with Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton loved every second of it.
Lewis Hamilton declared "that's how racing should be" after beating Sebastian Vettel to glory in an enthralling Spanish Grand Prix.
Spain GP - a fascinating tactical battle
Pole-sitter Hamilton was overtaken by the Ferrari driver into the first turn and a fascinating tactical battle ensued.
The Briton used the medium compound for the middle stint of his two-stop race, opting to try to hold off Vettel, who closed on the harder compound, with deteriorating softs in a tense finale.
Hamilton struggled to regain the lead from the German initially, but never really looked in trouble after finally managing to do so.
'Mercedes did an incredible job'
In his podium interview, he said: "The team did an incredible job. That's how racing should be. Seb was incredibly close and incredibly fast.
"I don't know what went wrong at the start. I thought I did everything I was supposed to do, but got wheel spin."
On a bump with Vettel at turn one, he added: "I felt like I ran out of road, but was alongside. It's how racing should be and I wouldn't change it."