“Incredible”: Hamilton can laugh again

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion fueled hopes of another home victory with his best time ahead of world championship leader Max Verstappen in qualifying at Silverstone. At least the Brit has already secured the best starting position for the fight for pole position. “We squeeze every bit of performance out of it. This is incredibly special,” said the 36-year-old to the cheers of tens of thousands of spectators. “But it was just a step forward.”

Mercedes' upgrades are apparently working. The second Mercedes man, Valtteri Bottas, crossed the finish line directly behind Verstappen. “That was good progress,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “Maybe we unlocked a little something.” Shakehands: The World Cup fight between Hamilton (left) and Verstappen is entering the next round. © APA/afp / LARS BARON

Even if first place in qualifying felt like pole position for Hamilton, the fight for the best starting position is just ahead. Formula 1 is testing a new format, and the order for the British Grand Prix on Sunday will be determined in a 100-kilometer sprint race on Saturday (17.30:XNUMX p.m.). The fastest trio even gets points in the sprint: three for the first, two for the second and one for the third. Verstappen believes in his car “We have to look at ourselves because the car itself is quite good. But there was a lot of understeer, I couldn't attack in the corners," complained Verstappen, who has won the last three Grand Prix. “But we have a strong racing car, we just have to get our problems under control.” Verstappen goes into the sprint in second place behind Hamilton. Max Verstappen goes into sprint qualifying in second place. © APA/afp / ADRIAN DENNIS

For Mercedes, the course is in Silverstone. A Silver Arrow took pole position nine times in a row, and Hamilton himself has been at the top seven times in his career. “I hoped that we would get here with the energy of the fans and the preparatory work we have done,” said Hamilton, who even sat down in the simulator again on Friday morning.

The enthusiasm reminded the record world champion of his first pole at Silverstone in 2007. “It was just qualifying,” said Wolff. “The car is there, that’s the most important thing. Now we hope that we can also be there in the long runs.”

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“Incredible”: Hamilton can laugh again

Lewis Hamilton was over the moon - and the English fans even more so.

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