"I've proven that I'm just as strong as I've ever been and I will be for the rest of the year," says world champion
Monday 13 June 2016 13:05, UK
Lewis Hamilton claims his Monaco GP triumph proves he is still at his very best and hopes to build upon the momentum in Canada.
The world champion cut team-mate Nico Rosberg's lead in the standings to 24 points after securing his first win of the season, taking advantage of Daniel Ricciardo's slow pitstop in the wet-dry Monte Carlo race.
After a disappointing start to the campaign, Hamilton says he is now as strong as ever heading into this weekend's Canadian GP in Montreal, the scene of his first ever F1 victory in 2007.
When is the Canadian GP on Sky?
"I still can't quite believe I've got my 44th Formula 1 win," he said. "It's taken so much hard work from so many people throughout my career to reach this point - way too many to name - and it's a very special landmark for me and my family.
"I have to say how grateful I am to my mechanics for sticking at it and sticking with me after what's not been an easy start this year. It felt great to be back on the top step after a tough run and hopefully it was a big confidence boost for them too, because they've been doing a great job all season.
"I've proven that I'm just as strong as I've ever been and I will be for the rest of the year, so I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
"Montreal has always been a good track for me, so hopefully I'm able to shine like I did the first time I went there in that great city atmosphere."
Mercedes may be on top in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championship but Toto Wolff is increasingly wary of Red Bull's threat following their impressive re-emergence in 2016.
Lewis's best win? Have your say
After Max Verstappen's Spanish GP victory the upgraded Renault engine fitted in the sister RB12 seemed to have the desired effect in Monaco, with Ricciardo taking pole position before a strategic error cost him maximum points.
That improved performance should be evident at a more engine-reliant track in Canada, and Wolff admitted the Silver Arrows have "no breathing space".
"The main thing we took away was the very real threat from Red Bull," the Mercedes boss said. "It took a bold strategy, a big push from Lewis and an even bigger slice of luck with Daniel's slow pit stop to get us that win.
"I've said this many times before - but we have no breathing space in this championship. Maintaining any advantage is a constant battle - and the pressure is only getting bigger.
Six Grands Prix in eight weeks!
"This unpredictable season has been great for the sport and shows that Formula 1 is alive and well. But, for us as a team, there is clearly work to do.
"There remains room for improvement in our reliability - but the push for more performance has become increasingly important too."
