Hamilton: 'We need to be smart trying to beat McLaren'

09:34, 31 Aug

Updated: 09:41, 31 Aug

byKada Sarkozi

Lewis Hamilton sets his sights on battling the McLarens, the Briton shared after he qualified in P7 in Zandvoort.

Hamilton was 'grateful' to return to Q3 in qualifying for the first time since the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Briton was quicker on many attempts throughout the session than his teammate, Charles Leclerc, but finished one place behind the Monegasque driver.

Meanwhile, McLaren claimed another one-two finish, as Oscar Piastri marginally outqualified Lando Norris.

Hamilton aims to fight the McLarens

Talking to GPblog among others, the seven-time world champion also looked ahead to Sunday's Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

"It definitely feels like it's been one of the most solid couple of days so far of the year. As I said, that's to do with some of the improvements in the process, my approach and it's just a little bit calmer overall," the Briton shared his verdict.

"Team did a great job through qualifying, we just need more performance. Tomorrow maybe race pace will be a bit better, I hope we can apply some and try to move forwards."

Asked about the team's strategy, Hamilton hopes they can take advantage of qualifying close together with Leclerc.

"Be smart to split strategies given that we're trying to beat McLaren.

"It's definitely good when you have the two drivers next to each other. I think apart from McLaren, we are the next team that has two drivers next to each other.

"So hopefully that can play a role in how we overcut, undercut, the cars up ahead of us potentially," he concluded.