Lewis Hamilton is convinced that he is now “as fast” as Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, despite rueing an error that cost him a front row at Formula 1‘s Austrian Grand Prix.
Hamilton bagged his highest Grand Prix starting position since his move to Ferrari at the Red Bull Ring as he qualified fourth behind the McLarens and his team-mate.
The Briton, who has started behind Leclerc on all but one occasion in 11 races, capitalised on an updated Ferrari to wind up less than a tenth behind the Monegasque.
However, Hamilton is certain that he would have toppled both Leclerc and Oscar Piastri to second spot alongside pole-sitter Lando Norris without a mistake at Turn 6.
“I had more time in the lap,” Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week. “I was nearly three tenths up going into Turn 6, and I had a massive snap going in.
“And then I came across the line, point zero six up, so that would have put me second. So there are positives in it, for sure.”
Has Hamilton made a Ferrari breakthrough?
Nonetheless, Hamilton, 40, captured solace from possessing the speed to live with Leclerc, his team-mate having long been regarded as a specialist over a single lap.
Hamilton indicated that opening the weekend with a better baseline set-up and thus not having to resort to such aggressive changes was behind his sudden upswing.
“Set-up wise, I’m finally getting much closer to where Charles has the car, for example, which I’ve not been able to do all year,” the seven-time F1 champion explained.
“Ultimately I was as fast as him. This is as close as I’ve been because he’s very quick at qualifying and, again, he’s just so used to this car.
“He hardly ever changes anything, so that’s a positive. So, incremental steps. I do anticipate to continue on this road and eventually switch it.”
READ MORE – Charles Leclerc spots silver lining as Ferrari F1 upgrades inspire Austria front row
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