Lewis Hamilton doesn’t want to smile too much after setting the eighth fastest time at the end of qualifying for the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prixthe seventh round of the 2024 Formula One World Championship. On the Imola track, the seven-time world champion fought again with his W15, finishing behind his teammate, with a notable gap.
Pole position went to Max Verstappen in 1:14.746 with 74 thousandths over Oscar Piastri and 91 over Lando Norris. Charles Leclerc was fourth at 224 thousandths, ahead of Carlos Sainz, fifth at 487. Sixth position for George Russell at 488, seventh Yuki Tsunoda at 719, eighth Lewis Hamilton at 758 with almost 3 tenths of a gap from his neighbor in the garage.
At the end of Q3 on the Santerno track, the “Black King” recounted his feelings, starting from the top. “Yesterday we had two good free practice sessions, the car seemed to be working well. Today, however, everything has vanished. Let’s say that today I fought more with my car than my opponents.”
What are your expectations for tomorrow’s GP? “It will be a difficult race. I think in terms of pace we are not far from the best. If I could overtake Tsunoda at the start it would be fantastic, and then if George and I could maintain those positions or even progress it would be even more fantastic. We just have to see how the car goes.”
