Hamilton: “this pole is for Niki”
The emotion was palpable from the poleman of the day in Monaco! Also discover the reactions of Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen, who will start second and third respectively at the Grand Prix this Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton is a monster of resilience! Even when dominated by Valtteri Bottas in Q2 and on the first stint of Q3, the Brit found the resources to secure his second pole of the 2019 season, also his second in the Principality after the one in 2015, four years ago already. « It’s definitely one of the best poles I can remember, » the poleman even stated in a press conference. And while Hamilton often speaks of this feeling of fulfillment, there is no doubt that the one achieved after these qualifications is perfectly legitimate, with the memory of Niki Lauda, who passed away last Monday, in relief.
Obviously, we have had a lot of success in recent years, but I don’t remember having a result that meant as much as this one. It was really a tough week for me and the team. Personally, it’s a tough weekend. We really wanted to win it for Niki.
« The way we reacted as a team is extraordinary. I am very proud of each one. »
The number 44 doesn’t seem to add much by commenting on the evolution of his weekend, slightly below Bottas so far.
« Valtteri did a fantastic job in free practice. On my side, while FP1 and FP2 went well, I wasn’t as good in FP3. I really had to hang on! In Q3, I struggled with the tires during the first flying lap. The second lap wasn’t very good either. I had to gain two tenths: I thought Valtteri would be ahead. »
So, I gave it my all: I flirted with the rails several times. But it’s the only way to perform in Monaco.
Here, the second run is the most risky: there may be traffic or a yellow flag. So the chances of me improving were lower than elsewhere.
Niki Lauda, naturally the focal point of discussions with the journalists, with Hamilton recalling the unique way the Austrian triple world champion motivated the team at Mercedes:
« If he had been there, Niki would have pushed us by saying with his words, “do it, you bunch of assholes,” that’s what he always said. So we are doing everything to make him proud. We really hope to do something special tomorrow. »
« I hadn’t had much success here recently so this one is really for Niki. »
🍷
Lewis’ pole lap@Pirellisport #MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/tZqO29Lukr
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2019
Second: Valtteri Bottas
The Finn came close to his first pole in Monaco. His plan was well executed… until Hamilton stormed in.
Congratulations to Lewis for this pole. But my feelings are mixed: I’m happy with this one-two and personally disappointed. I felt good with the car all day. I thought I did the job in the first run with two tenths. I didn’t manage to improve in the second run.
« Obviously, it will be very difficult at the start, the distance from here to the first corner is very short. I’ll have a hard time getting ahead. »
« At the end, I’m mostly disappointed… »
💬 “The run into Turn 1 is very short in Monaco, so it’s tricky to make a difference there, but I will keep pushing and use every opportunity that might come up.”
Valtteri talks Quali 👇 https://t.co/UYnrVLq3bB #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/AXCxReZTA9
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 25, 2019
Third: Max Verstappen
The Red Bull Honda #33 driver brought a wave of suspense in Q2 by clocking the fastest time on the last run. Naturally, the Dutchman was highly anticipated in the following session. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t maximize his performance.
When we look at the weekend as a whole, we feel that we didn’t miss much. In fact, I was short by two or three tenths: Q2 was a very good lap, but my rear tires were more slippery in Q3. As a result, the balance of my car was not as good. And at the end of Q3, I encountered traffic, so my tires were colder, I couldn’t improve, and I decided to abort my attempt.»
« But overall it’s not bad: we did a good job. When we arrived, I had the impression that we wouldn’t be as strong as last year! »
For the first time in his career, Verstappen will start from the top 3 in Monaco this Sunday. And if we rely on his free practice sessions, this position was ultimately meant for him:
« The funniest thing is that I’ve been training a lot since the third place at the start. And so far it’s been going well, so we’ll see on Sunday! »
🗣 “I will be pushing as hard as always for the best result.” @Max33Verstappen on #Quali at the #MonacoGP 🇲🇨👉 https://t.co/GopAZ2ljiY #F1 pic.twitter.com/1lYzRQsqjD
— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 25 mai 2019
From our special correspondent in Monaco
