F1 News
Hamilton: 'This is such a monumental result for us'
- Cameron Smith
Lewis Hamilton has defied the odds and reached the front row of the grid for the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with only Charles Leclerc quicker than the seven-time world champion. Mercedes had looked slow all weekend, especially on Friday, and with Valtteri Bottas only able to finish qualifying in P10, Hamilton's effort was impressive to say the least.
The Brit had finished down in P11 in FP2, but pulled out all the stops to finish in second place in qualifying. Speaking to SkySports after the qualifying, Hamilton was relieved and certainly surprised with the result. "We definitely weren't expecting that and this is such a monumental result for us because we've been struggling like you couldn't believe all weekend. You can see it" he said.
"We kept our composure. We've continued to have difficult discussions in the background and challenging one another, and just never taking no for an answer. We've moved around, made so many changes, over these two days. Just chasing our tail and it's been so difficult.
"But the work overnight and particularly between the sessions was amazing from the team and really proud of everyone for keeping positive. To be up there and so close to these guys is a great start."
Hamilton has won three races already this season, and whilst Ferrari look incredibly quick, he'll be hoping he can jump the Monegasque on the line. However, he isn't getting ahead of himself and acknowledges that: "It has been the biggest challenge in a long time. It has been a bit of a disaster."