Hamilton: “The situation wasn’t ideal, that’s for sure”

Even though we are five-time world champions, Formula 1, the race officials can very well put you in a bad position. This Saturday, June 29 in Spielberg (Austria), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) has been under investigation for potentially embarrassing Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo) during Q1 of qualifying.

“I let a first Alfa pass and I saw the other one behind, explains the Briton. I was approaching braking for the hairpin but I let go going straight so as not to find myself in his path in the bend. I don't think I encountered him on the bend but the situation wasn't ideal, that's for sure. »

The wearer of number 44 then set the second time in Q3, behind Charles Leclerc. A driver for whom Lewis Hamilton seems to have a lot of respect. “Congratulations to Charles for his pole. He's been doing a great job since the start of the weekend. I hope we get away with it with these two (Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, third time. Editor’s note). »

“Firstly congratulations to Charles, he's done a great job all weekend.” –@LewisHamilton #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/U7sGXWa9sx

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) 29th June 2019

According to the championship leader, the Ferrari clearly have an advantage on the track at all 10 turns. “We underestimated how fast they would be. They are killing us in a straight line. They have that extra engine power that they put to good use here. 

They found the right settings to make the car work in fast corners and those negotiated at medium speed, continues Lewis Hamilton. The steering sensations are good but we lack a little on the straights. »

Still under the influence of a possible penalty during his appearance at the press conference, Lewis Hamilton remained very cautious about the strategy for the race. “We were able to see in Montreal how complicated it is to follow a Ferrari, including when you are in the slipstream. They tend to escape. 

The advantage they have in qualifying is different from that during the race. I don't know where I'm starting from yet so we'll see what happens. If I start alongside them, I expect a fun race because it's a track where you can follow each other. Well, it will remain complicated, especially since the Ferrari was fast over the long stints. »