Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport driver Lewis Hamilton has said it is a great feeling to lock out the front row of the grid at the Hungaroring, and secure the seventy-seventh pole of his Formula 1 career.
Hamilton ran a total of nine laps in the third and final practice session, with his pole position lap being a 1:35.658, while team-mate Valtteri Bottas will line up second on the grid, and thus creating the fourth front row lockout for the team this season.
Scuderia Ferrari and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing have also had a strong season this far, but there advantage has been neutralised somewhat due to the wet conditions.
“It’s a great feeling to lock out the front row, particularly with the tough weekend we’ve been having,” said Hamilton. “In the dry, I thought I would be lucky to get third, fourth or even fifth, as Ferrari have been quicker than us and Red Bull were fast too.
“But then the heavens opened and I knew we were in the game. The rain levelled the playing field and gave us that opportunity to make the difference.”
Hamilton was one of the drivers on the grid who was able to thrive in the wet conditions, and he said he was proud of his team for locking out the front row.
“I’m really proud of my team, they did a great job today and brought their A game,” said the Briton. “This has been a good track for me for years, but for some reason the last couple haven’t had that extra sauce that helps me get ahead.
“If it’s dry tomorrow, it’s all about positioning, as it’s so difficult to overtake here. It’s a long run down to Turn one so we have got to try and make sure there’s no space to get by.”
