2016 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX EDITION
Lewis Hamilton had something on his mind before he was ready to ascend to the top step of the Formula One podium for the second week in a row .
So he climbed on top of his car for a little shadow boxing , then he jumped down to the ground and did the Ali Shuffle .
“ Float like a butterfly , sting like a bee ,” he radioed to his crew on Sunday after winning the Canadian Grand Prix for the fifth time , and the second in a row . “ That was for Muhammad Ali .”
Continuing Mercedes Formula One dominance , Hamilton took advantage of Sebastian Vettel ’ s two-pit stop strategy to claim his 45th career F1 win .
Afterwards , Hamilton dedicated the victory to Ali , who died last week , and said he couldn ’ t stop thinking about the former heavyweight champ — even with 15 laps still to go .
“ I never really dedicate wins to anyone , but it ’ s someone that ’ s really inspired me so much throughout my life ,” Hamilton said . “ I was driving , and I was just thinking of him , and thinking maybe he would be watching the race , I don ’ t know . So that ’ s to him and his family . Rest in peace .”
With the victory , Hamilton cut Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg ’ s lead in the championship standings from 24 points to nine , 116-107 .
Vettel moved into third in the points race , with 78 , and said he doesn ’ t second-guess the team ’ s calculation that fresher tires would help him catch Hamilton .
“ I will always defend our strategies ,” said Vettel , who won here in 2013 on his way to a fourth straight Formula One championship . “ That ’ s a decision we do as a team . Kept in hindsight , it ’ s always easy .”
GPI