Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a front-row start at the British Grand Prix was dashed by a late error at Turn 16, forcing the seven-time world champion to settle for fifth on the grid. Despite the setback, Hamilton’s strong performance highlighted notable progress by Ferrari heading into Sunday’s race at Silverstone.
Ferrari shows early promise with Hamilton and Leclerc leading pace
Following a promising run in Austria, Ferrari demonstrated increased competitiveness during qualifying. Both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc posted impressive laps in the closing moments of Q2, setting a fast pace that suggested Hamilton could secure a strong starting position. However, Hamilton’s final flying lap suffered from understeer entering Turn 16, costing him valuable time.
His main rival, Max Verstappen, capitalized on the opportunity, edging out McLaren drivers and claiming pole position. Hamilton reflected on the lap, explaining the mistake that cost him a likely front-row spot.
Hamilton on the progress and remaining challenges with Ferrari
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hamilton said,
“Pretty decent qualifying. It’s generally been a decent weekend so far, and I think I was definitely feeling more comfortable with the set-up of the car, more comfortable with the balance of the car.”
He added,
“I think right up until the last corner I was probably close to second on the grid, but had a bit of understeer in Turn 16 and then just ended up losing a tenth and a bit.”
Hamilton acknowledged the improvements Ferrari has made recently, including upgrades introduced in the previous race.
“We are making progress. There’s still more to make, but we obviously had the upgrade in the last race. We’re improving our process, the way we go about our weekends. I definitely feel like we’re punching out better results. We’ve got to keep pushing,”
he stated.
Building rapport with team engineers after switching from Mercedes
Since joining Ferrari, Hamilton has been developing a better working relationship with his team, especially his race engineer Riccardo Adami, moving past earlier communication issues. Hamilton described this progress as key to his improved comfort in the car.
“I’m really pleased with the progress. I’m really pleased with the direction. My engineer and I have been really gelling a lot better in terms of how we set the car up. I was much happier in the car,”
Hamilton said.
He elaborated on the margin lost during his final lap:
“The lap was really, really nice up until just at the last corner, just a bit of understeer. I don’t know if it was the kerb that put me a little wide, but then I just lost it. I think it was just over a tenth, so that would definitely have put me in the front row.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s race with realistic optimism
Hamilton admitted that replicating last year’s emotional home victory and capturing a 10th British Grand Prix win would be difficult, given the strength of competitors like McLaren and Red Bull. Still, he conveyed determination to make the most of the opportunity in front of his home crowd.
Reflecting on the support he has received after switching to Ferrari, Hamilton said,
“It’s been amazing. To be in the red car here and to see Brits shift from the outfits we had in previous years to red and embracing the Ferrari badge is pretty amazing. The support’s been incredible. My family’s here, which is great.”
He concluded,
“I think it will be very, very hard to beat the McLarens or the Red Bulls, but when there’s a will, there’s a way, so I’ll give absolutely everything tomorrow. Yeah, a little bit far behind where I want to be, but with this amazing crowd, who knows?”
—Lewis Hamilton, Seven-time World Champion
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado used it when the fixed number system started in 2014. Although some see it as unlucky, F1 drivers can choose their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver racing for Mercedes. He has also raced for McLaren. He openly talks about having ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. The number 17 is no longer used in F1 as a tribute to Jules Bianchi, who used it during his racing career.
Q. What F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver in Formula One who currently races for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. He openly talks about his experience with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.