Ferrari qualifying ‘fantastic result’ – Hamilton

Austrian Grand Prix

Date: 29 June Race start time: 14:00 BST

Ferrari’s second and fourth spots on the grid at the Austrian Grand Prix were a “fantastic result,” according to Lewis Hamilton.

At the Red Bull Ring, Hamilton placed second and team-mate Charles Leclerc placed third.

It matched their best performance in Monaco during the grand prix qualifying session this year.

Ferrari’s first major car upgrade since the Aprilana race in Bahrain followed the introduction of a new floor.

“I think it’s really fantastic for us to be much closer, and we should be in the second row, and for Charles to be in the front row.”

Hamilton, who was only 0.09 seconds behind Leclerc, claimed that if he had optimized his final lap, he might have qualified for second.

The seven-time champion said, “I think that could have been worse than that. If I had finished that lap, I would have finished second.”

There are many benefits to be gained from that session, they say. Additionally, I believe it was the best day ever, both operationally and technically, especially with qualifying, how the team operated, and how the team’s timings and positionings on track are being handled. It was the best day ever and was proper world class. We are pursuing that goal.

Ferrari’s improved performance comes after two well-known Italian newspapers recently published articles questioning Frederic Vasseur’s leadership as team principal.

When Hamilton said, “Ultimately, we continue to work together, protect each other, block out all the noise, and just keep our heads down,” it appeared to be making reference to this.

“It’s a fantastic team,” said the team. Working together, and with Fred, we’re putting everything in order, step by step.

It can’t be accomplished in a single attempt. Simply put, you must work on it. I’m pleased with how far we’ve come.

Very pleased to be second, Leclerc said. For us, qualifying-wise, this has been a very challenging season.

“Without Monaco, we’ve always been fighting for P5, P6, in the best cases.” It was a one-time event. Therefore, it’s good to be launching a little bit further and being right away with the fast guys.

Leclerc claimed that the new floor’s first indications were encouraging, but that it would take some time to fully understand its impact.

He claimed, “It undoubtedly helped us.” There were some positive steps, I thought. How much must it be seen in various track characteristics.

We have to assess that not just on this track but also across several other tracks.