Lewis Hamilton claimed the final lap he produced to claim pole for the British Grand Prix was the “toughest” he’s had to do in the face of Ferrari pressure.
The world champion was second behind Sebastian Vettel after the first run of the all-important Q3 segment by around half a tenth, however, he would turn it around on his second attempt to claim pole by that margin, indeed car no.44 was ahead by just 0.044s.
Addressing a capacity crowd at his home race, the majority of which went crazy as he crossed the line, the Mercedes driver revealed just how hard he had to push to achieve his lap time.
“That lap took everything out of me, it was the toughest lap I’ve ever had to do in a qualifying session,” he told Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle.
“I gave it everything I could. It was so close between these Ferrari’s [who] pulled something out when it got to Q3.
“I had to go over the limit to get that time out of the car and I could have easily not pulled that lap together, so I’m thankful that I was able to do it.”
Such was the intensity, Hamilton claimed he couldn’t remember the final lap but put those extra few hundredths down to the incredible fans at Silverstone.
“I was just praying I could do it for you guys,” he said. “I’m so grateful for the support because without you guys I wouldn’t have been able to do it.
“I knew that the fans were right there with me; every time I go out I see them cheering. The support I get at this track is phenomenal; it means the world to me and it really lifts me up.”
For the world champion though, it is only a job half done with the race to come on Sunday and the threat from Ferrari not likely to back down.
“The start and the tyre management will be key for the race; I’m going to see my guys tonight and tell them to keep pushing so that we’re as good as we can get tomorrow.”
