Breaking news
Formula 1 Japanese GP
Hamilton: Record Suzuka pole lap felt "insane"
Lewis Hamilton described the feeling behind the wheel of his Mercedes Formula 1 car as "insane" after taking his first Suzuka pole position in Japanese Grand Prix qualifying.
Edd Straw
Edited: Oct 7, 2017, 10:46 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The world championship leader broke Michael Schumacher's qualifying lap record, set in Q2 in 2006, by 1.365s to take his 71st F1 pole and first in 10 attempts at this circuit.
Hamilton was particularly impressed by the feeling created by the increased downforce levels allowed by the 2017 regulations.
"It's incredible to come here with this car, this car has been one of the greatest, if not the greatest," said Hamilton.
"This car is mind-blowing. [Suzuka has] always been one of the craziest roller-coaster rides, three seconds quicker [than 2016].
"It is insane being thrown around. It is incredible for me, my first pole position here so 10th time lucky. I am grateful for that."
Having struggled with balance at Suzuka in the past, Hamilton said this was the first time he has felt completely confident in his car here.
This has played a part in him never taking a Suzuka pole, although this is his third Japanese Grand Prix pole position having twice topped qualifying when the race was held at Fuji.
"Every single time I have struggled here, struggled with finding the right balance, generally not starting on the right foot," said Hamilton.
"And if I have started on the right foot, I've gone in the wrong direction. It has always been up and down.
"This is the first car I felt has been underneath me all weekend, small tweaks here and there in the right direction and ultimately a good job done globally.
"It has worked out better this time and my knowledge of the car is better than it was before, which has enabled me to go out and do the job.
"It is a real confidence boost to our group."
Hamilton added that while the Mercedes has been tricky to get the best out of at times during the 2017 season, the car has generally been good to drive in qualifying.
"It has been a great car in qualifying this year, and qualifying for me is the most enjoyable part of the weekend," he said.
"Being able to put together laps like today is the one you wait for all weekend, Q1, Q2, Q3 – motorsport is about ultimate performance from myself and the car.
"It is great when it comes together on days like this. If we were on back foot here it wouldn't be great position to be in, let's hope she is not stubborn tomorrow."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Japanese GP: Top 10 quotes after race
Next article Vettel admits extra risk in Q3 didn't work
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Edd Straw
How the Senna myth has been transformed
Formula 1
Formula 1
How the Senna myth has been transformed
Archive: When the French GP almost produced F1's greatest shock
Formula 1
Formula 1
Archive: When the French GP almost produced F1's greatest shock
The lost F1 team that launched Adrian Newey
Formula 1
Formula 1
The lost F1 team that launched Adrian Newey
More from
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton slams Charles Leclerc for "do or die" attitude after Mexico GP clash
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
21 h
Lewis Hamilton slams Charles Leclerc for "do or die" attitude after Mexico GP clash
Fred Vasseur reacts to Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc clash: “It’s a matter of respect”
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
Fred Vasseur reacts to Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc clash: “It’s a matter of respect”
More from
Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
16 min
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
What was Kimi Antonelli’s best moment of his F1 title-winning campaign? Our writers have their say
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
18 h
What was Kimi Antonelli’s best moment of his F1 title-winning campaign? Our writers have their say
Latest news
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
16 min
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
19 min
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
Charles Leclerc blames Mexico GP clash on track layout - Fred Vasseur disagrees
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
2 h
Charles Leclerc blames Mexico GP clash on track layout - Fred Vasseur disagrees
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe