Hamilton races to British GP pole

Silverstone, UK, July 7: An emotional Lewis Hamilton outpaced Sebastian Vettel in a keenly-fought record-breaking qualifying contest on Saturday to claim his fifth consecutive British Grand Prix pole position.

The defending world champion, who trails Vettel by a single point in the drivers’ world championship, increased his record total of career poles to 76 with a dazzling record lap under pressure in the closing seconds. Hamilton in a Mercedes and Ferrari’s Vettel traded fastest laps until Hamilton clocked 1min 25.892sec in his final lap to outpace Vettel by 0.044sec.

Kimi Raikkonen was third in the second Ferrari and the other Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas fourth, ahead of Max Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

It was Mercedes’ sixth consecutive pole position at Silverstone, but came after a close battle that, which, Hamilton said, was decided by the support of his army of fans.

“These guys are the best,” said Hamilton, pointing to the grandstands. “I gave it everything I could and it was so close between these Ferraris. They pulled something out for Q3!”

Vettel had been complaining about necks problems.

“I had a bit of an issue in practice, but I’m OK now.” he said before reflecting on his battle with Hamilton. “It was very close. I was very happy with my last lap, but I lost a lot of pace on the straight. I am happy with second and it gives us a chance tomorrow.”

— AFP