Hamilton: “Being this close is already good”

The seven-time world champion who is satisfied with a second position is quite rare. Lewis Hamilton appeared fatalistic after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday. The pilot Mercedes signed the second time at 388 thousandths of the poleman Max Verstappen. “I gave everything, but it wasn’t enough. Honestly I think I did the best I could today, I got everything out of the car.”

Mercedes therefore did not hide its game, Max Verstappen and the Red Bull had gotten a head start during the winter and Mercedes becomes hunter. “After the tests, we did a lot of work at the factory to try to get closer. And finally, if we consider the delay we had during the tests, being so close to Verstappen today is already good,” concluded Lewis Hamilton.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas showed himself to be in even more difficulty throughout the weekend. “The tests were not easy, the balance was not what I wanted” commented the resident of the brand with the star. I still felt better during the night sessions. » Not to the point of passing his qualifications. The Finn finally holds 3rd position 589 thousandths behind Verstappen. “In Q1 I had to start with a second set of soft tires, so I only had one new set in Q3 and I couldn't fight with Lewis and Max. The result isn't too bad, but I'm clearly not where I wanted. »

Mercedes will look to regain the lead in tomorrow's race, which starts at 17 p.m. The first three drivers will start with medium tires.