F1 News
Hamilton stunned in qualifying: "I'm just as shocked as anyone"
Lewis Hamilton will start ahead of title rival Max Verstappen in the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix, and the British driver should receive a tow off Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas who starts from pole position. Hamilton was quick to praise his teammate after the session.
Bottas on fine form
Ever since Alfa Romeo announced Bottas' future, the Finnish driver has been in fine form. He achieves another strong result in Mercedes colours.
"Valtteri did an amazing job. I'm so proud of Valtteri, I think he's been driving so well these past few races. It's great for the team," Hamilton said in the interviews after qualifying.
With the circuit at a higher altitude than the majority of the F1 calendar, the Red Bull car traditionally performs better here. Hamilton is really surprised with the front-row lockout for his team.
"We didn't think we'd have the pace this weekend so to lock out the front row is pretty special. They were like six-tenths ahead at one stage, whatever happens in qualifying we had better pace. I'm just as shocked as anyone but we'll take it. Naturally, I'd love to be in his position, he did a fantastic run one in Q3. I gave it my all but he [Bottas] did a better job today," Hamilton added.