F1: It will be difficult to keep Red Bullt – Hamilton behind us

Is Red Bull making it harder for Mercedes? (Photo: AFP)

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Lewis Hamilton It had been a long time since he found the rhythm at Mugello: he missed his teammate Valtteri Bottas in all three free practice sessions and in the first stage of the time trial, but in Q2 he rolled the dice and, although with a small difference, managed to finish ahead of the Finn. The defending champion is then open to the head even at the decisive stage. With a lap record of 1: 15.144, which finally turned out to be enough after most of the drivers could no longer attempt another fast lap after the yellow flag section caused by Esteban Ocon.

Hamilton was able to book the 95th start of his career, not only writing the pole position series his team started at the end of the 2019 season, but also his own. Record also overthrown. The British have now achieved timed success at 26 different grands prix and 28 different tracks: Sebastian Vettel (23, 23) is second on both indicators.

„This weekend is very tough so far, the track is incredible, but at the same time it is very challenging for us, also Valtteri was faster than me all the way, the free practice on Friday and Saturday, but even in Q1 . I worked really hard in the background to carve out my handicap and improve and the team did a great job too, so I finally managed to put the circle I needed together. On my second try, I couldn’t buy my time, but it was still enough. Valtteri put a lot of pressure on me the whole time, so I’m very happy to have pole position. The defending champion said, and also revealed that he had little confidence in Sunday’s chances.

You have to give it to @Lewis Hamilton

That is his pole this season #TuscanGP # F1 pic.twitter.com/FTSnwmH1gU

– Formula 1 (@ F1) September 12, 2020

„We have an advantage over Verstappen in the timers, however Red Bull always goes about half a second in the race. Looking at the difference today, it will be quite difficult to stay behind. ” Added.

Mercedes won his seventh first consecutive start Bottas so he completed it, but the Finn was understandably not satisfied after the stopwatch. Because even though he was faster for most of the weekend, in the end he didn’t get a chance to try to fix his teammate’s time.

“The yellow flag took my chance at the end of qualifying. There was more to this. The first nail was fine, but not perfect. That is exactly the reason why I was really looking forward to my second try, but unfortunately it couldn’t happen. I am quite disappointed because I was very fast all weekend ” Said the Finn, then turned to Sunday’s possibilities.

„Before we got here, we thought it would be impossible to overtake the track. However, after the first free practice, we felt that there are several bows that we can use not only to get clean air, but also to overtake. Also, there is a long way to turn 1, so I’m sure the headwind will stay, because then it can give me a great opportunity with the gusts of wind. ” I look forward.

Max verstappen Despite being very close to the “silver arrows” several times, he was ultimately unable to intervene in the battle of Hamilton and Bottas, finishing third with a margin of 365. The Dutchman, however, was satisfied with the result, saying he never had a chance to finish ahead, plus he also finds his delay very encouraging: Red Bull has gotten closer to its rival this year.

“I did not expect to have anything to say in the duel between the two of them. All things considered, I think this weekend is very encouraging so far, we have managed to come back after the recession in Monza. We can be very happy with this third place ” – stated the Red Bull consultant, Helmut Marko he also agreed.

„We are not as far off as we have been in recent grands prix. If we could still use the timer engine modes, we would definitely be around a second behind. We are fully prepared for the race where our situation could be even better. Whatever happens, our third position should be assured. ” – shared the Austrian opinion.

The team leader, Christian horner According to Verstappen, the competition could be good for them too, and the fact that the Dutchman can choose a strategy more boldly as he has nothing to lose.

„It will be interesting to see how the tires behave on this track, as we don’t have any data from before. Will there be a unique race? Maybe it needs to be replaced several times? If it turns out that Max will definitely give it a try, as he has nothing to lose. ” He went on, also referring to the performance of Alexander Albon. The wide from Thailand received 4 tenths from his teammate, but was still able to finish fourth.

„He’s gotten closer and closer at the last grands prix, and he’s been having a good weekend so far, his chronometer has done well too and we know he can put together some great races. And that gives us an additional opportunity tactically, Mercedes will not be able to react to everything. ” He warned the rival.

To my great surprise Charles Leclerc took the fifth starting position, as a result of which Ferrari can look forward to the start of the 1000th race in its history from an exclusive location.

„Overall, I’m happy with my nails, everything went well, and fifth place is clearly beyond expectations. I am very very happy! The weekends at the spas and in Monza were terribly difficult for the whole team. It was definitely difficult to drive the car with the low clamping force setting and the balance of the car was terrible. However, here we struck a balance, which resulted in a much better feeling when driving. In general, we lack the performance to fight against the leaders, but the good balance gave me confidence and I was able to do my best in the time trial. ” Monaco said happily.

„We may have good chances, but if we start from the race simulations on Friday, I have to say that there will be more teams stronger than us. It will be difficult to keep them back, but that’s my job and I will do everything I can to make it happen. ” He closed his thoughts.