Hamilton: 'I don't know where Red Bull got the pace from'

It may not be a first place for Lewis Hamilton, who has to cede P1 to teammate Valtteri Bottas, but the Briton is still pleased with the team's start. With Mercedes on the front row of the grid, the team seems to have the advantage.

"It was close. Valtteri did well at the end. It wasn't the best qualifying for me, but first place was good for me. I was struggling in the session. It's still good to have a front-row for the team, especially after last week," Hamilton said to Sky Sports after qualifying.

Battle with Red Bull close according to Hamilton

Mercedes have been fast all weekend and seems to have the upper hand. Yet Max Verstappen managed to drag his Red Bull into third place, something which also surprised Hamilton. "I don't know where they got the pace from, but it's going to be exciting. They were miles off in Q1 and Q2, but suddenly they're there. So it shows that it's super close."

It will become clear during sprint qualifying and the race on Sunday how the race pace of the two teams is, but Hamilton is satisfied for now at least. "We've made a good start and will try to get the most out of it on both days," he said.