© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
After taking pole at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Qualifying Lewis Hamilton says Max Verstappen “would have been ahead” had he not crashed.
Mercedes locked out the front row at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Qualifying, but Lewis Hamilton says it wasn’t an easy session for him.
“I generally just struggled through the whole of qualifying, through Q1, really struggled to get grip from the tyres, which was something that we haven’t necessarily struggled with all weekend,” said the Briton.
“But it was way, way worse in quali… I was off, you know? I was even behind Valtteri. But I can’t tell you how much of a knife-edge it was.
“I was struggling with the car, and so at the end, I think the first lap [in Q3], the first run was so-so. Again, I just struggled with a lot of snaps.
“I had that big snap in Turn 8 and then that last lap was just all-or-nothing. But still, not as quick as I would have hoped… but it was the best I could do.”
Hamilton also acknowledged the fact that Max Verstappen was on his way to taking pole, when a crash on the last corner stopped what seemed to be a spectacular lap.
“It’s where you do and don’t attack and trying to find the right balance of just being on that knife-edge. As you could see for Max, obviously, we’re all on the edge.
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“And there’s the Wall of Champions everywhere here! So, a really complex track, and incredibly quick. It was enjoyable though. Intense, but enjoyable.
“I think this one was a bit more ‘heart in your mouth’ for all of us. And yes, we got that lap… which in the end was good enough.
“But if Max had finished his lap they would have been ahead. So, regardless, I’m happy, grateful, and yes, we just have to work as a team tomorrow from there.”
Looking ahead at the race tomorrow, Lewis said there will be teamwork between him and Valtteri Bottas, who qualified in P2.
“We’re here to win, that’s where all the prep has been going towards. And I think no doubt [Red Bull will] be quick tomorrow in the race.
“So… collectively [we need to be] smart and working together as a team, which I think Valtteri and I, we all do exceptionally well. Yes. Also just enjoy it; it’s a night race, it’s a new track, lots of unknowns.
“But yes, we’ll be pushing,” concluded the seven-time champion.
