Attack on reserve, reactions from the Top 3 qualifier at Castellet
Lewis Hamilton clinches his 75th pole position. While he shows some restraint regarding his performance, the German driver, Sebastian Vettel, who took the third fastest time, gave it his all.
After dominating all the free practice sessions, it’s logical that Lewis Hamilton imposes his Mercedes at the end of the qualifying session. However, he is not thrilled with his performance in the final part of the session:
« It wasn’t too bad. Qualifications are always difficult. Q3 wasn’t spectacular. Q1 and Q2 were good but Q3 was average-average. »
Mercedes cars, equipped with a new engine featuring the latest advancements, seem to be ahead of the competition. When asked if this made the difference, he responds cautiously:
« I didn’t feel any relief, I was getting a new engine anyway ».
If the Englishman seems relatively unimpressed with his performance, it will remain to be proven in the race the potential of the latest engine in his single-seater.
It’s pole for @LewisHamilton at the #FrenchGP!@ValtteriBottas makes it an all @MercedesAMGF1 front row!
GET IN THERE!!!!
Send us your #Quali questions right here and we’ll get back to you right after we’ve calmed down! #F1 pic.twitter.com/HGKyCVIv3K
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 23 juin 2018
Second place, Valtteri Bottas remains discreet and congratulates his team for the work accomplished. Complementary with his teammate, there is no doubt that the Finn will know how to protect his leader’s position from Sebastian Vettel in the championship fight. As usual, he is satisfied with his second place: « It wasn’t a bad lap, I’ve been fighting to make a perfect lap all weekend, but positions 1 and 2 are perfect for us »
Bottas: “It was not a bad lap… I’ve been struggling to get a perfect lap all weekend, but a 1-2 for us is perfect” #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/O8WPXniDeq
— Formula 1 (@F1) 23 juin 2018
Sebastian Vettel, for his part, gave it his all according to his statements:
« I tried to give everything I had in the last attempt, but in hindsight, I pushed too hard » he admits after making a mistake during his last lap, thus losing all chances of pole position.
« After the first try, I saw that we were in the running, so I knew that with an incredible lap I would have had a chance, but it didn’t work out »
Despite everything, the German remains optimistic, convinced that his Ferrari will be in good condition for tomorrow’s race.
« In the end, I am happy because the car should perform well in the race. »
Vettel: “In the end I’m happy because the car should be good in the race” #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/4DaKq1NlZ4
— Formula 1 (@F1) 23 juin 2018
The three drivers were keen to highlight Charles Leclerc’s performance after his superb 8th time.
« Really good and really happy for him, especially in this car. He is doing an excellent job with what he has and even offers more than what is asked of him, which is what you hope for from a good driver, » particularly stated Hamilton.
A top job by @Charles_Leclerc to finish P8 where he will start tomorrow’s race 👍 “Where do I park the car after Q3? I’ve never been in it! so I don’t know” 😊 #F1 #FrenchGP pic.twitter.com/IvklDoWP9z
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) 23 juin 2018
From our special correspondent in Le Castellet
