For the first time in his Formula 1 career, Lewis Hamilton will start the Monaco Grand Prix from pole position, with the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS driver getting the better of his team-mate Nico Rosberg on Saturday.
The reigning World Champion admitted it was far from easy to get the fastest time, especially with the Pirelli tyres taking a long time to come to the correct temperature. He is hoping to make the most of his pole position to take his second career Monaco Grand Prix victory on Sunday.
“My first Monaco pole position; it’s felt a long time coming,” revealed Hamilton. “Today, bringing the tyres in was tricky. We had to do an out-lap, warm up lap then fast lap. We had to do that for both tyres.
“It’s an important day for me, looking back through every year at Monaco generally it’s been quite poor. Sometimes I’ve had the car, sometimes I haven’t. I’ve lived here for the last few years so it makes this pole position even more special.
“There’s still a long way to go, it’s only half the job. It’s going to be mentally and physically challenging tomorrow but I’m looking forward to it. A big thank you to the team; the performance we have in the car is outstanding and they’ve been working very hard.
“I think the last pole position for me here was in GP2 in 2006 so I hope I can take advantage of it tomorrow in the race.”
