Cam can bounce back to his best
one of the pre-race favourite in a revitalised Ferrari, shocked fans and himself when he missed the final shootout – he will start 11th on the grid today.
He said: “I am shocked. I thought we had much more to offer. But I am not happy with the car. And we will be faced with a huge challenge in the race.”
Hamilton had topped all three practice sessions on Friday and Saturday in record-breaking style but just missed out when it mattered most.
He said: “Valtteri did a grand job – and it has been a great result for the team.
“I’m happy to be where I am for the start. As for the new season, late as it is – it is great to be back.
“It has been a long time coming. But I believe the interval has given us time to improve the car.
But, honestly we never know what is going to happen.”
Hammy is not best pleased, though, with what he calls a lack of understanding from his fellow drivers on the issue of racism, which he brought up in the drivers’ meeting on Friday.
He said: “I described the scenario that silence is really generally complicit. There is some silence in some cases.
“But I think it is part of a dialogue of people trying to understand, because there are still some people who don’t fully understand what is happening and what is the reason for these protests and I continue to try to be that guide.”
Max Verstappen will start third for
Red Bull, with Lando Norris for McLaren just behind in fourth place.
TOP SPOT: Bottas
CAM NEWTON is ready to make the New England Patriots an immediate Super Bowl threat in the post-Tom Brady era.
The 2015 NFL MVP was snapped up by Bill Belichick last week as the replacement for Brady, who has joined Tampa.
Newton has battled injuries for the past two seasons leading to his release from the Carolina Panthers at the end of last season.
But former NFL star Jason Bell believes he has found the perfect location to bounce back to his best and lead a charge for the Lombardi Trophy.
Bell said: “Early on, we thought this was the best move for Cam Newton.
“Nothing happened for a while and it’s classic Bill Belichick – he waited until the market decided the number and got him on a good deal.
“This is going to be an outstanding move, and one that just catapults the Patriots to become a serious threat again now Tom Brady his gone.
“The thing about the Patriots is they will play to his strengths and we know Cam’s strengths are incredible when he’s healthy.
“They’ve played against Baltimore, they see what Lamar Jackson has done, now they get a guy who can bring some of those attributes with his legs.
“Cam is a phenomenal talent, he’s the best QB on their roster and they’re a dangerous team – if he’s healthy.
“And that’s the key question.
“The point is when you can be a running threat, it allows you to see easier coverages because teams have to think about the run.
“As a passer, he’ll do well in New England as they’ll scheme up plays to give him easier throws.
“His health with that coaching staff and his motivation to succeed mean this is a really exciting move.”