Lewis Hamilton might have lost out on another pole position, but the Brit is still content with how his car performed on Saturday, as he was closer to the German this time than he has been before.
Hamilton admitted that he lost time in the last sector, but he also realised that his German opponent was simply better on the day.
"That was very close," Hamilton reacted after the qualifying.
"We did our best, and we were very close.
"I lost some time in the last sector and Sebastian just was very good."
Hamilton then went on to say that Mercedes is no longer the favourite in this years' championship.
"Ferrari has been the quickest all weekend long, and they've obviously built a fantastic car this season.
"I'm very happy with what the team did last night.
"We're close, I'm going to make it difficult for Sebastian tomorrow."
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