2017 Australian Grand Prix polesitter Lewis Hamilton says he expects there to be a close fight with Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas for the win in Sunday’s race.
Hamilton stormed to a sixth pole position at Albert Park as he qualified on pole, nearly three-tenths clear of Vettel in second.
Hamilton’s 1m22.188 is the quickest lap ever around Albert Park and his 62nd career pole, only six behind Michael Schumacher in the all-time records.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend so far and it’s quite amazing to come here for the 11th time and it feels like only yesterday I came and had my first race here in 2007,” said Hamilton in the post-race top three qualifying press conference.
“[It’s been] such a great journey, I’m just incredibly proud of my team, this rule changes have been huge, such a massive challenge for everyone.
“The guys have just worked so hard to make this car what it is today and to be up there representing them, Valtteri did a fantastic job, it’s his first qualifying session with the team, and great for us.”I’m looking forward to the race, obviously it’s close between us all, as you can see, it’s going to be a tight race this year.”
“I’m looking forward to the race, obviously it’s close between us all, as you can see, it’s going to be a tight race this year.”
