F1 News
Hamilton beaten by Leclerc: "I have to fight the young ones!"
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton qualified in second for the Austrian Grand Prix and could potentially be set back further as he's in danger of receiving a grid penalty, with the 34-year-old saying he has to "fight the young ones" as he was 21-year-old Max Verstappen behind him and 21-year-old Charles Leclerc ahead of him on pole position.
Mercedes were struggling with one-lap pace throughout the entire qualifying, although they did put in the quickest two times in Q1. However, Ferrari were running on medium tyres in Q1.
Hamilton was saying over the team radio he needed a tow as his car lacked speed in a straight line, and although he came close in the end, second place is impressive for the Brit.
"Charles, congratulations to him he has been quick all weekend and we've not been able to keep up with him," Hamilton told Paul di Resta on the grid after qualifying.
"Positioning was so difficult, I was never getting the slipstream. It was tight at the end and we didn't know if we would start that lap.
"Max has been driving well all weekend and it's pretty cool to see three teams in the first three. I have to fight the young ones, I'm representing the more-grown men!" he concluded with a smile.
Whether or not Hamilton will receive a grid penalty, we'll find out shortly. We'll update you as soon as the news comes out!