Lewis Hamilton has vowed to be “quite aggressive” in Formula 1‘s Mexico City Grand Prix, hinting that pole sitter Lando Norris having more to lose gives him an edge.
The Brit lines up third on the grid at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, just behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, in a display of revitalisation for the Scuderia.
Leclerc’s second-placed time was almost three tenths off the lap set by Norris, but the SF-25’s race pace has been noted for being an improvement of that over a single lap.
This will give the Monegasque and Hamilton a significant boost ahead of the race, with the run down to Turn 1 all crucial.
Speaking after qualifying, Hamilton appeared perhaps as buoyant as he ever has done in Ferrari red before, and indicated his enthusiasm at giving it his all in the race.
“I don’t know,” he said to media including Motorsport Week when asked what his approach will be.
“I definitely want to be racy tomorrow. I don’t have anything to lose, but he [Norris] does. I will be quite aggressive, I’m pretty sure.
“And hopefully we’ll be close enough to put up a good fight.”
‘The start is definitely a chance for us’ – Leclerc eyes lights out as Mexico GP opportunity
Leclerc was quick to state his refusal to underestimate Norris, who himself hyped Ferrari’s chances of challenging for victory.
Aware that with clear air ahead of him, and the MCL39 appearing to be performing to Norris’ liking, Leclerc is aware that a good getaway off the line could be his only chance of bringing the fight to the Brit.
“He’s [Norris] got the race pace too,” Leclerc said. “We were speaking about it earlier. I think he will be very strong tomorrow for sure.
“But the start is definitely a chance for us — it’s an opportunity for us to try and make something special even though starting second here on the dirty side of the track.
“I’m not sure it’s great, but it’s OK. I’ll just focus on what I can control and hopefully it will be enough to be alongside him into Turn 1.”
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