Hamilton’s Brazil drive 'one of the best ever seen in F1' - Hill

Hamilton turned in an extraordinary drive as he battled through from 10th place on the grid and passed title rival Max Verstappen with 12 laps to go to claim his 101st win in F1 to keep his world championship hopes alive. 

It followed another starring performance in Saturday’s sprint event, in which Hamilton bounced back from being thrown out of qualifying by charging from 20th on the grid to recover to a superb fifth. 

The result means Hamilton has cut Verstappen’s advantage in the championship to 14 points heading into the final three races of the 2021 season. 

And Hamilton’s remarkable comeback was praised by 1996 F1 world champion Hill on social media after the race. 

“That was one of the best drives I have ever seen in F1. By anyone,” Hill tweeted. “Utterly awesome.”

Hamilton said his sixth win of the season “felt like the first” after enduring one of his “hardest weekends” of his F1 career. 

Asked about Hill’s comments and whether he feels the drive ranks among his best, the Briton responded: “It never gets old hearing positive comments from such a great driver in Damon. 

“I remember being such a big fan of his when I was younger, when he was racing and obviously we’re now men… but I’ve always admired Damon and I think he’s always been super supportive, so I really do appreciate that. 

“I really do feel, from my own personal experience, it’s been one of the most challenging, if not the most challenging with the things that we’ve faced during the weekend. 

"In terms of driving I feel like it’s maybe been my best… it’s difficult to say, because I’ve had so many races but I’m getting on now, catching Damon up. But no, I’m grateful for that, thank you Damon."