‘ LEW’VE GOT TO FESS UP TO ERRORS’
LEWIS HAMILTON admitted he “was not that great” after suffering a surprise setback in his bid for an 88th Grand Prix triumph.
The six-times world champion had taken pole position in the three previous races of the 2020 season, going on to win each one.
But if he wants to go to within three of Michael Schumacher’s (below) alltime record of 91 wins, he has to pass team-mate Valterri Bottas, who beat him by six hundredths of a second in qualifying for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
“I was not that great,” shrugged Hamilton. “It was not a perfect last lap.
“But Valtteri did a fantastic job today and was just a bit too good for me.
“Ultimately he did a better job. But I am happy for the team to see another 1-2.”
As Mercedes continue to push home their complete dominance of Formula One, this was the 67th time the team have locked out the front row of a grand prix.
With Silverstone being a difficult overtaking track, Hamilton faces a proper fight if he is to extend a drivers’ championship lead that already stands at 30 points. “We’ve still got a long race tomorrow,” said a subdued Hamilton, sat next to Bottas. “I’ll be giving everything I can to try and beat this guy.”
And assuming their tyres do not disintegrate this time around, the race is certain to be a two-car shootout, with the Mercedes almost a second ahead of their closest rivals. Bottas has given himself a big chance to reduce that gap at the top of the standings and said: “It feels good. We made good steps on the set-up from last weekend – that’s why the qualifying performance was better. It is an amazing car to drive, it is so quick.
“Of course, mentally, when you are starting from pole, you can only aim to win.
“The pace is there. First job is to get off the line and the mentality’s to try and win it.”
After the incredible late drama in last Sunday’s British Grand Prix, when the two Mercedes suffered late punctures, tyre strategy will be more crucial than ever.
Sweltering
“Let’s wait and see how things turn out,” said Hamilton. “But I don’t think many teams will be doing a one-stop race tomorrow.”
The other Brits had fairly decent days in the sweltering heat, George Russell recording a commendable 15th place in his Williams and Lando Norris, who will line up 10th this afternoon, again out-qualifying Mclaren team-mate Carlos Sainz. Meanwhile, the struggles of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel continued, failing to make the cut for the final qualifying phase in his Ferrari. He will start from 12th on the grid.
Big star of qualifying was German Nico Hulkenberg, sitting in for the Covid19-struck Sergio Perez. The Hulk put his Racing Point pal Lance Stroll in the shade and
will start third.