Mercedes Reflects Hope Doubt Post-Qualifying

Mercedes marks a positive session but still questions whether their strategic tweaks will succeed in the race.

Lewis Hamilton clinched the fourth fastest time in the qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix, positioning him second on the starting grid. The Mercedes F1 driver regained his feel in the wet conditions following a change to the car’s floor that likely assisted him.

“Overall, it was a good session. We tried to predict the weather as best as possible and to be on track at the right moment. In the last lap, we were on track too early, we were the first ones out. And we didn’t have new tyres. But I’m pretty sure the three drivers ahead of me were on new tyres, so I’m pleased; it was the best we could do,” Hamilton stated.

The seven-time world champion then expressed regret that the team had not saved new tyres for the end of qualifying. According to him, “pole position” was within reach had they preserved fresh tyres for the final moments of Q3.

“Max will likely move up quickly; their car is the fastest this weekend, or on par with McLaren. We’re going to knuckle down and try to maintain our position. I’m not sure if I can keep up with the pace of the guys in front of me but I’m hoping that the changes made yesterday will assist us.”

George Russell will start sixth alongside Oscar Piastri on the grid after securing the seventh fastest time. The British driver believes some choices were not optimal, but he is pleased with the outcome.

“Predicting the changeable weather made qualifying a real challenge today. It was essential to ensure that we had fresh intermediate tyres on the car at the right time, and that was tough to manage. We might have taken to the track too early in Q3, but that’s easy to say in hindsight. Starting sixth tomorrow is therefore a good result,” Russell affirmed.

“There will be many uncertainties heading into tomorrow. The forecast is currently dry, and we hope to advance from the sixth position. The McLarens appeared quick on Friday and might be slightly faster than us.”

“Tyre degradation will also play a significant role. The levels of degradation were among the highest we’ve seen since the start of the year in FP1 and FP2. Today’s rain might also impact the track surface, so we’ll need to adapt accordingly.”