Silverstone (United Kingdom) (AFP)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) took the fastest qualifying time for "his" British Grand Prix on Friday and will lead the first qualifying sprint race in Formula 1 history, ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull) on Saturday at Silverstone.
To the clamor of the public, with 140,000 spectators expected every day at Silverstone, the seven-time British world champion, second in the championship behind Verstappen, returned to success in qualifying, after his 100th pole in Spain in May.
To get his 101st, he will now have to confirm his dominance in the unprecedented 100km sprint race on Saturday, a new format tested by F1 this weekend.
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) will be on the second row.
“I'm on cloud nine,” Hamilton responded hotly, “so happy to see everyone here”.
"We have missed you for a whole year," he said as the 2020 British GP was held, like many others, behind closed doors last year.
"With a wonderful crowd like you, I feel so much energy," continued Hamilton, who remained on a streak of five in a row, both in qualifying and in the race.
Second 32 points behind Verstappen, "Sir Lewis" now has the opportunity to come back to his Dutch rival.
Taking advantage of the surplus energy coming from the public and, also, of the modifications made by Mercedes on its single-seater.
Saturday at 5:30 p.m., he will start in front for thirty minutes of a race which will bring three points to the winner (2 and 1 in the 2nd and 3rd).
Hoping to stay ahead for the "real" race on Sunday, where he will aim for a 99th victory.
And an 8th at home.
Two records, of course.
"This is just the first step," Hamilton recalled to his raving fans.
Two more days remain to continue to mark the history of his sport.
© 2021 AFP