Lewis Hamilton: Canadian GP qualifying is how racing should be

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton: Canadian GP qualifying is how racing should be

He was pipped to pole by Vettel.

Martin Macdonald

Saturday 8 June 2019 21:56 Updated: 22:36

Lewis Hamilton insists he was not particularly disappointed to lose out on pole position for the first time this season to Sebastian Vettel in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, as he reckons he couldn’t have done any more to try and better the Ferrari.

In the third qualifying session, it looked like Hamilton would surprise most to take the fastest time despite Vettel and Charles Leclerc displaying their impressive speed on the straights all weekend. However, the German managed to pip him to pole position by two-tenths of a second.

The Brit is not too worried about missing out on pole, as he recognises that the Scuderia were always going to be quick.

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“Honestly, for whatever reason, I don't particularly feel disappointment,” he said moments after Q3 concluded.

“We gave it everything we could. Ferrari were just quicker. Particularly in that last sector they were killing us by four-tenths or five-tenths on the straights.

“But I did everything I could. We did everything we could. I think the timing was right, the procedures were perfect.”

Respect 🤝 Took a big lap to beat @LewisHamilton today! pic.twitter.com/hHkF9IR7HM
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 8, 2019

Hamilton seemed content with the fact Mercedes were finally getting some competition this season, as he believes a competitive season is how F1 should be.

“So, really, really, thoroughly happy with the job,” he continued.

“Obviously we had P1 for a second, but we knew they were quick. This is good, this is how racing should be.

“I'm glad that I was able to split the Ferraris. Tomorrow will be interesting - the weather is fantastic, we've got a great group of fans that are here.”

The five-time world champion goes into tomorrow’s race knowing that a victory will put him alongside the driver with the record for the most wins at the Canadian GP - Michael Schumacher.