Hamilton: "This is a great result for us"

Mercedes had looked off of the pace of Ferrari throughout the weekend, blaming difficult operating windows for the tyres. However, in qualifying it was a Mercedes show of speed, taking a third one-two in qualifying this season.

Speaking after the session, Hamilton praised the work done by the team and congratulated his teammate Valtteri Bottas on a brilliant pole at the death.

"It's been so close all weekend. Ferrari have looked incredibly quick and Valtteri did an exceptional job.

"This is a massively great result for us. We came here without an upgrade, the Ferraris looked particularly quick and also Max - for us to lock out the front row in the circumstances I'm really grateful for and puts us in a fighting position tomorrow.

"Pace-wise we are slightly closer in race trim than it seemed in qualifying. Valtteri is always quick here and I've had my work cut out this weekend."