F1 | Styrian GP | Lewis Hamilton admits: "Red Bull's been faster all weekend"
The seven time world champion could only clock the third fastest time overall, but will start from front row thanks to Valtteri Bottas' penalty
Lewis Hamilton tried his best, but couldn't take pole position at the Red Bull Ring. In fact, the seven-time world champion could only take third in Qualifying, behind pole man Max Verstappen and team mate Valtteri Bottas.
The Finn was penalized on Friday because of an incident in the pit-lane, which could've ended differently: three grid place penalty for him, who gives his front row placement to Lewis Hamilton.
Both Mercedes drivers, along with Max Verstappen, have scored their fastest time in Q2 on mediums, and will use the same set for the race start. It is going to be a tough run till turn one between Hamilton and Verstappen, as the Dutch man currently sits in first in the drivers' standings.
"Firstly, well done to Max - they have been so fast this weekend and they’ve had two tenths on us through every session" said the seven time world champion, who topped FP3, but amitted Red Bull's supremaacy in Styria.
"I have been giving it absolutely everything but it just wasn’t the greatest of qualifying sessions for me today. Nevertheless, it’s still the front row after the penalty and we live to fight another day - we’re there with the Red Bulls at the start so let’s see what we can do, it makes for an exciting race.
"I’m proud of everyone’s hard work, and for continuing to push, we’re still in the fight and we’ve done a good job given the circumstances. I’m going try and enjoy my evening, gather my thoughts and come back strong tomorrow".
