Lewis Hamilton seemed to be the big favourite to start the race on pole position this weekend, but things went differently than expected in the sprint race. Whereas Max Verstappen will start from the front on Sunday afternoon, Hamilton will have to start from fourth position.
Peter Windsor says on his YouTube channel that he saw the relief in Verstappen. "Max was obviously happy to finish second to take pole for tomorrow," says Windsor. "He's very relaxed and calm. It's going to be very difficult for Hamilton to beat him."
Hamilton balks at situation
The British driver may not be miles behind his rival, but it won't be easy for him to drive towards Verstappen. Both Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo were better placed than the seven-time world champion, so Hamilton has to get past them first.
According to Windsor, Hamilton will be balking at the sprint race. "Hamilton will say that without the sprint race it would have been a lot cleaner for him going into the Grand Prix, obviously from the front row. Now Lewis has to beat those two McLarens and that won't be easy."