HAM-TASTIC!
Lap record puts Lewis in pole position
LEWIS HAMILTON looks set to roar clear of his rivals to take the lead in a Formula One title race which is rapidly developing into a Mercedes walkover.
The Brit, chasing a seventh world crown, was in unstoppable form around the Hungaroring where he has won seven times in just 13 starts.
Hamilton, 35, set a fastest-ever time of 1min 13.613secs yesterday on the tricky track, beating Max Verstappen’s 2019 best of 1min 17.103secs.
It was a wonder show – and he did it with ease despite the rainy conditions.
He was chased to the chequered flag by his team-mate
Valtteri Bottas but every time the Finn looked like catching him, Hammy put his foot down and cleared off to grab his amazing 90th pole placing.
Before today’s race, Hammy trails Bottas by six points in the standings – but all that looks an absolute certainty to change. And Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed.
He said: “Lewis’s pole in Austria last time out was the best I have ever seen.
“And this one was not too far behind. His performance in Austria was flawless and I can see it happening all over again on the track where he has been so dominant and a winner so often.
“We are expecting a challenging fight in the race – but the way Lewis is driving and his determined attitude make him the driver to beat.”
Hamilton was in a grateful mood following his sparkling performance.
He said: “I have to pinch myself. Ninety poles! I can’t believe it, it is quite humbling.
“I have loads of people to thank for their fantastic support and all out effort. It is up to me to repay them. And that means not only winning races but the championship, too. And that is my aim.”
It looks like Bottas will be his only serious challenger for the title, with Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez of Racing Point in third and fourth, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Sebastian Vettal and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton added: “It is real treat to see Renault and McLaren coming along and looking certain to be a challenge. McLaren, especially, have done a fantastic job. And we expect Red Bull to grow so I anticipate the season could be a tough battle.”
Red Bull’s Verstappen will start seventh with Britain’s Lando Norris of McLaren in eighth, one spot ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr.