Lewis Hamilton has recognised the biggest obstacle in the way of a 10th Formula 1 home race victory at the British Grand Prix.
The British driver admitted that championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s pace will be the major factor holding him back from another win at home.
He is set to start third in the race, a step backwards from his sprint pole on Friday. Antonelli and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc lock out the front row of the grid. Hamilton is joined on the second row by his old Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Speaking to media after Saturday’s qualifying, the seven-time world champion said that Antonelli’s speed in the shorter sprint race provides a strong signal as to what is possible for the grand prix.
“We couldn’t [beat Antonelli] this morning, so I don’t think that really changes. He’s just gone quicker than, way quicker than I went yesterday.
“So, nothing’s changed between this morning and nothing will change between today and tomorrow.
“We’ll do our best to hold on to them, but ultimately, if he gets a clean run, he’ll be gone.”
Energy deployment issue contributed to second-row grid spot
When asked if he thought there was any more potential in the SF-26, it was a no from Hamilton, he cited a problem with energy deployment in his second run that cost him lap time.
Though this was fixed for his final flying lap, Hamilton still said he had struggled more in Saturday’s qualifying.
“No, not particularly. I think in run two, actually my run two was pretty decent, but I lost my deployment.
“There was a problem with the deployment, basically, and I lost like three tenths down the back straight.
“But that got fixed towards the end. I just struggled more in this qualifying session with the car, a lot more understeer. But yeah, I’m still happy to be up here.”
If Hamilton can battle his way to the top step of the podium, it would mark his 10th win at Silverstone – the first time any driver has ever won that many times at the same event. It’s his own record to beat; his current 9 victories already represent the most wins by any driver at a single circuit in Formula 1 history.
READ MORE – Charles Leclerc pledges Ferrari ‘focus’ for Silverstone after Austria mistakes
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