Lewis Hamilton is hoping that his decision to go with a more “cautious” set-up on his Mercedes at Formula 1’s British Grand Prix will provide a boost to his win hopes.
The progress Mercedes has made over recent months culminated with George Russell heading the side’s first front-row lock-out since the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Hamilton beat Russell’s provisional pole time on his final attempt to take top spot, but his team-mate improved moments later to open a 0.171s gap between the two.
But Hamilton was enthused with the German marque’s best showing this season to date as he secured a record 11th front-row starting appearance at the Silverstone.
“It was a great session, probably actually the best session that we’ve had as a team,” Hamilton recalled.
“To just have the real pace and be able to actually compete with the McLarens and the Red Bulls is something that is incredibly satisfying, it was really a huge boost for the team and the car felt great as George was saying, a huge congratulations to George for getting the pole, but to be on the front row I think is massive for our team, for everybody.
“So many of them are here this weekend and with their families and it’s been a long time since we’ve had it so it’s a great day.”
Russell expressed that the intermittent conditions earlier in proceedings caused him concerns that he would be eliminated prior to logging his second pole this term.
But Hamilton has disclosed that he harboured no such worries on his side and hinted that he would have preferred the rain to linger in the air come the final segment.
“It’s pretty straightforward for me, I mean when it’s wet that’s when I’ve probably been happiest, so super confident in those first conditions,” he explained.
“That was the easiest part I would say, and then it goes a little bit harder once it goes to Q3, with the balance, but other than that as I said, I’m super grateful to be here.”
The seven-time champion divulged that he’s tailored the set-up on his Mercedes W15 to be optimal on the longer-runs and hopes it will produce dividends in the race.
“I think I was cautious with my set-up, more thinking to have a nice balance in the race rather than just all for one particular lap, so I do think that car will be good to run.”
Hamilton also suspects that his experience as an eight-time victor on his home track will be a factor that he can use to his advantage against his British compatriots.
“All these races definitely helped,” he concluded. “As I said, when it’s wet, that’s the conditions I was perhaps most comfortable in.
“But these two [Russell and Lando Norris, who will start third] also drove very well in the wet also. So, I don’t think it’s going to make a difference.”
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