Hamilton expects Ferrari to up their pace at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton expects a renewed challenge from Ferrari in qualifying for the British Grand Prix, having run quicker than both Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel despite enduring an error-prone Friday at Silverstone.

Hamilton ended the day with just team-mate Valtteri Bottas quicker than him over one lap, while the reigning champion led the way on race-pace simulations.

That was despite several excursions off-track, with drivers up and down the paddock struggling to keep cars on the black stuff due to relaid asphalt and windy conditions at Silverstone.

"It's been quite windy, quite gusty out there, so it hasn't been the easiest of days, but we were up there nonetheless, and it looks like we'll be in the fight," Hamilton said.

"It's always difficult to say after the first day though and the Ferraris are usually a little bit slower on a Friday and then pick up the pace on Saturday.

What we learned from Friday at the British Grand PrixRead more

"The new track surface is better on the straights, especially between Turn 4 and Turn 6 where it was pretty bad before. It's still bumpy on the exit of Turn 7 and towards Copse, but after that it's nice and smooth through Maggotts and Becketts and down the Hangar straight.

"The asphalt is very smooth which makes it tricky to get the tyres to work, they're in and out of the window, and the gusty winds didn't make it easy.

"I was struggling with the rear end and went off a few times, but Valtteri seemed much more comfortable in the car, so we are going to dig deep tonight trying to figure out what the issue is and how we can solve it for tomorrow."

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