Lewis hopes his car behaves itself
Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole position for today’s Japanese Grand Prix as his temperamental Mercedes decided to play nice at Suzuka.
The championship leader has a great chance to build on the 34-point gap he currently holds over closest challenger Sebastian Vettel after a fine showing yesterday.
No one could get close to Hamilton as the three-time world champ broke the lap record on his way to his maiden pole at the circuit.
Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas came closest but he starts sixth after an unscheduled gearbox change saw him hit with a five-place grid penalty.
The Ferrari of Vettel will now start alongside Hamilton – who labelled his car “stubborn” on Thursday as it has only been performing during specific conditions of late.
Now the 32-year-old wants his car to stay with him as he looks to increase his championship lead.
“Definitely,” Hamilton replied, when asked if his car had paid him back for being unpredictable in recent months. “Q3, run one and two, are really what motorsport is all about – it is about ultimate performance from myself but also the car.
“So it is definitely great when she comes together on days like that and it is important because if we were on the back-foot here it wouldn’t be a great position to be in. Let’s hope she’s not stubborn tomorrow.”