Source: DW.COM
Lewis Hamilton has secured arguably the most important pole position of the Formula 1 season. His teammate Valtteri Bottas shares the front row, while both Ferrari drivers had another fraught session.
Lewis Hamilton’s 1:10.166 lap, a circuit record around the Principality, was quick enough for first on the grid in Monaco. He pipped Valtteri Bottas to top spot. Bottas had put down a quick time early in the final session of qualifying, but Hamilton was able to improve his time on his last fast lap, unlike his competitors.
“I feel amazing, just super grateful,” Hamilton said after the session. “All of us drivers take our car, fast or slow, to the limit. And when you’re at the limit, it’s like wrestling a bull. I had an oversteer moment in the Rascasse, and I just held on. I don’t know what the gap is, but I’ll take it — it’s perfect.”
Hamilton leads Bottas by 7 points going into the race; both Mercedes drivers have a large cushion over the chasing pack.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, again running far quicker than teammate Pierre Gasly, will start the race in third position. Overtaking is notoriously tricky around Monaco’s narrow streets, though, so Mercedes have secured a major advantage as they chase a sixth consecutive 1-2 finish on Sunday.
Amazing well done to Mr LH. And marcedes can’t wait for the race.