British Grand Prix Qualifying Recap
The last time Formula 1 fans saw what happened in Saturday’s qualifying session was in the year 2007. And no, we’re not talking a sunny day at Silverstone. Not since his rookie season with McLaren had Lewis Hamilton put his car on pole at the Grand Prix of Great Britain.
Hamilton was untouchable in Saturday’s qualifying in his Mercedes-Benz W04.
Early on in Q3 Hamilton set the pace at his home Grand Prix. Red Bull’s Mark Webber answered the call briefly taking provisional pole at what will be his last ever race at the circuit.
Just a few seconds adrift of the Red Bull was the Mercedes-Benz of Nico Rosberg and his effort was fast enough for the number one spot on the grid.
Hamilton had one lap left in the session and made it count. His final timed lap was recorded at nearly half a second quicker than his teammate Rosberg. When timing and scoring updated at the circuit, the crowd erupted in applause. A country-man would be once again leading at the start of Sunday’s race.
Vettel will start 3rd, Webber 4th.
With Webber’s spot open a Red Bull Racing next season, junior team Toro Rosse driver Daniel Ricciardo lapped 5th fastest overall. The Australian is poised to prove he deserves to be racing for the A-team next season.
Ferrari and McLaren struggled mightily at the high speed circuit.
Felipe Massa couldn’t put his F138 into Q3. On Friday, in the second free practice, Massa crashed. His third accident in as many weeks. Alonso had to drive the wheels off to qualify 8th.
Jenson Button and Sergio Perez fared as poorly, qualifying 10th and 13th respectively.
Race tomorrow morning at 8AM EST.