F1 | Turkish GP | Lewis Hamilton will start from 11th: "It's going to be a difficult race"
The seven time world champion limits damages and grabs pole in Turkey but will start outside the top ten on Sundays' race
Mercedes misses a front-row lockout in Turkey: Lewis Hamilton was fastest overall in qualifying, with Valtteri Bottas following in second just one tenth behind his team mate.
Hamilton already knew he had to give it all in quali to limit damages after the ten place grid penalty earned becuase of the 4th ICE element on his Power Unit. He will the start from 11th place on the grid alongside Alpine's Esteban Ocon. The seven time world champion qualified in Q2 on medium tyres, and he will use the same compound for the start: everyone in front of him - except for Yuki Tsunoda - will wear the same compound. Overtaking won't be that easy, but the reigning champion is not a stranger to recoveries.
Valtteri Bottas will also play a big role for Hamilton's race - and championship: Verstappen will start in 2nd and Red Bull's race pace wasn't that bad. There are just two points between the title contenders and tomorrow race can play a big part for the championship.
"It’s so good to be back in Turkey, last year was an unbelievable visit here for myself and the Team! Coming back, the track is completely different – the grip level we’ve got now is absolutely awesome" said Lewis after quali.
"The session today was really tricky because there were still some damp patches and getting temperature into the tyres for the first lap wasn’t easy. But it was a really, really great job by the Team, they got us out at the right time and put in a great performance. Tomorrow is going to be difficult, but I’ll give it everything!".
Another super Saturday from @LewisHamilton as he finishes quickest in qualifying 🚀
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2021
The reigning champion faces a 10-place grid penalty on Sunday, handing pole to his teammate @ValtteriBottas #TurkishGP 🇹🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/oFGpWFrDlK
"Overtaking isn’t the easiest at the moment and we’re all on the same tyre so I imagine tomorrow is going to be difficult to move up. We’ve got the long straight down the back so we’ll see what we can do. Hopefully we can give the fans here a good race!".
