Question: There you are, back again winning a race, his first with Ferrari. How does that feel? What does that mean for you?
Answer: Yes, it is hard to find the words at. It's hard to believe, that after all those days where I tried it and then it still didn't work out, and so many people who also doubted me, privately but also in public—that was tough.
But persevering is key, never giving up is key. And in my core I knew what I could do. And without this great team I wouldn't have managed it. It is a momental moment for me.
Question: You are also in good company, because Michael Schumacher also had his first Ferrari victory here in Barcelona in 1996. Are you now beginning a similar successful career with the team?
Answer: Well, I have no way of predict the future, but of course we will continue to push, continue to work hard. The guys worked hard to bring this upgrade. We implemented it. The pit strategy was great. The strategy—and together we worked out this strategy. Three stops, and that was certainly also my wish in the beginning of the day.
And experience helped. I knew how the car felt there on the long runs. And wow, I always imagined in my dreams what it would be like to stand on the podium like that. I watched when Sebastian (Vettel) won up there for Ferrari back then and sang along with the tifosi. And now to stand up there myself that is unbelievable.