Rosberg’s lap of the gods stuns Hamilton
NO arguments this time. Nico Rosberg took pole position for today’s Canadian Grand Prix with a lap so quick and so emphatic that it set the World Championship alight.
After inflicting the misery of Monaco on his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton a fortnight ago, Rosberg finished 0.079sec ahead here. There was no possible deception in this performance.
The simpler, faster configuration of this circuit was meant to be more to Hamilton’s liking than Monaco’s tight streets. He set the fastest times in the first two sessions of qualifying, but then Rosberg struck.
He put in a fast lap in the shootout for pole, a banker that he later beat. Hamilton pushed hard but did not have the pace he needed.
In contrast to Monaco, Hamilton was cordial afterwards. He was hardly smiling, quite reasonably, but put his arm around Rosberg.
Rosberg said: ‘I know it is a track where Lewis is traditionally very quick and I am happy it has worked out.
‘All weekend, I have progressed well. I have been looking at data, working with my engineers, seeing where I can do better. Having won the last race brought me some momentum.’
Hamilton said: ‘Nico did a fantastic job. Congratulations to him. Sometimes sessions don’t work out. I think it will be a close battle.’