Lewis Hamilton hinted that the visibility in the wet was not good after qualifying fourth fastest at the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion will start Sunday’s race from third as a result of Max Verstappen’s gearbox grid penalty, but had to negotiate a soaked Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Q1 and Q2.
The Belgian track has come under scrutiny after the death of Dilano van ‘t Hoff in similar conditions earlier this year, but Hamilton maintained that he finds the track fantastic to drive.
“This track is incredible to drive,” Hamilton said after qualifying. “It was definitely very hectic because the track was constantly drying up.
“It was very slippery to begin with and it was difficult to see, but you know that every lap is going to be faster than the last lap, and that’s why we were at the end of the pitlane early.”
Impressive Verstappen
Verstappen won’t start from pole in Sunday’s race, but he did put in another blinding lap to be fastest overall in qualifying.
Hamilton, although pleased with his car’s speed and the lap he put in, admitted that they are still some way off the Red Bull, tipping his hat to the driver he battled so hard during his most recent title fight in 2021.
“In the end, we were still a chunk off Max, that was pretty impressive but I’m very happy with the result. I’m just hoping that the car is good on a long run tomorrow and in the race.”
