Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari's true pace hidden

ByAutoSport

Updated 07/06/2015 at 23:42 GMT+1

Mercedes cannot be confident it still has an advantage over Ferrari because Sebastian Vettel's Canadian Grand Prix pace was hidden, insists Montreal Formula 1 winner Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), Valtteri Bottas (Wiliams) - GP of Canada 2015

Image credit: AFP

Ferrari used engine upgrade tokens ahead of Canada in a bid to close the gap to the world champion team.

But although Ferrari's practice times were promising, Vettel's weekend was ruined by a power loss in qualifying and a subsequent grid demotion for passing Roberto Merhi under red flags in practice.

Vettel came through from 18th on the grid to fifth, with Kimi Raikkonen fourth in the other Ferrari after a mid-race spin.

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Asked if Mercedes taking an easy one-two on the weekend Ferrari brought a big upgrade meant he could feel more relaxed, Hamilton replied: "I think it's impossible to come to that conclusion.

"Kimi spun so we didn't get to see his true pace in the race, though maybe at the beginning he wasn't with us.

"Also, Sebastian wasn't there [at the front]. Sebastian has the been quicker of the two generally so far this season.

"So we didn't get to see Ferrari's true pace. I think at the next race we will."

But Hamilton's team-mate Nico Rosberg, who chased him home in second, thinks Mercedes has reason to feel satisfied.

"Even though Ferrari are throwing everything at it, we seem to be able to keep our advantage so that is great to see," he said.

Hamilton's Canada win followed two defeats to Rosberg in Spain and Monaco, the latter after an errant pitstop call while dominating.

The champion dismissed any suggestion that winning again was a relief.

"I don't feel I needed to be relieved," said Hamilton.

"I was quickest all of the previous weekend as well.

"I had that problem which allowed Nico to win the race but otherwise I have had good pace for last two races.

"It's not a relief, it's good to continue with good strength."

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