An assured pole-to-flag win, without safety cars or strategy blunders, was just what Lewis Hamilton needed in Canada on Sunday - even if relief was too strong a word.

"Did I need this? I think so. I think so," the Formula One world champion told the crowd on the podium after his fourth win in seven races this year and the expansion of his overall lead to 17 points.

"I love Montreal. I love this track; I love the city and really just a fantastic weekend and great to get back on the top step."