Hamilton is feeling the heat in France

French Grand Prix Today, 2pm

By Phil Duncan

LEWIS HAMILTON will start his 300th Formula One race today from fourth place after Charles Leclerc secured pole at the French Grand Prix.

Leclerc breathed fresh life into his championship bid with a comprehensive victory at the last round in Austria a fortnight ago.

And the Monegasque will be in prime position today to secure another much-needed win in his title fight against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

World champion Verstappen qualified second with Sergio Perez third on the grid in the other Red Bull.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team harboured high hopes for the 12th round of the campaign in the scorching south of France heat.

A new floor, coupled with the smooth Circuit Paul Ricard asphalt, even led some within Mercedes to believe Hamilton could end both his — and the team’s — barren run by securing his 104th triumph in his landmark race.

But the Silver Arrows have lost further ground to Ferrari and Red Bull.

Hamilton (above) said: “I’m really happy with my qualifying session to be honest. My last lap was great. I’m not sure why the gap has got bigger. They are kind of in their own league in that respect.

“They are in their own place — but we are still there and everyone behind us is struggling. We just keep fighting.”

Mclaren have brought more upgrades to France than at any other stage of the season, and Lando Norris split the Mercedes drivers to qualify fifth, one place ahead of fellow Brit George Russell.

Leclerc heads into race 38 points behind Verstappen, and with Carlos Sainz already due to start last for changing the engine which caught fire so spectacularly in Austria, Ferrari used the Spaniard as a tow to pull Leclerc along.

It worked to tremendous effect with Leclerc roaring to front spot.

After taking his seventh pole of the season, Leclerc said: “The car feels good but let’s see how it goes.”

Verstappen was quickest in final practice but could not match Leclerc’s speed in qualifying.

“Third practice is clearly not qualifying, but overall we were lacking general grip,” said the Dutchman.

“It was trickier than I hoped but overall we have a decent race car.

“We will be quick on the straights, so hopefully we can use that.”