Hamilton: “It’s impossible to say what will happen” in the race

Thank you rain! This is essentially what he thought Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) at the end of the qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, contested on the Hungaroring circuit. The Briton took pole position on a track which had not favored him at all until now (he had never been in the top 3 in free practice).

But the free sessions were all contested in summer heat, while for the fight for pole position, the track was completely wet! “We knew we wouldn't have had pole in the dry, the Ferrari were just too fast, recognizes Lewis Hamilton. To see the heavens open and to be on pole, it’s just a blessing for the team. »

.@LewisHamilton topped an incredible qualifying session

Here's how he did it #HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/0Udz9nXA00

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2018

The pole-sitter sincerely did not expect to find himself in such an advantageous position. « I had no idea I was going to fight for the first row. When I started my final attempt, I knew I had to put everything together to overtake the Ferraris. I had to do something special. »

With scattered showers, it was necessary " find a compromise " on the trajectories to adopt. “There were some corners that were worse than the others, but I felt that it was in the last sector that I made the difference. It all came down to patience and the right line on the circuit. »

Pole!! Today's been an emotional rollercoaster in tricky conditions and so happy with the final result. We're looking forward to the race tomorrow and giving it our all as always #Pole #HungarianGP #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/KwlYQQLEqD

- Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 28, 2018

According to the championship leader, the Hungaroring is “the third hardest circuit on the calendar to overtake. » The pole therefore has even more importance. “ In the dry, I had difficulty with the sensations relating to the tires. The long relays were average. It will therefore be a very close race, getting through the different relays in good condition will be key, as well as staying under the tire temperature limit. Impossible to say what will happen. »