In qualifying this Saturday, Hamilton set the best time, even setting the Istanbul Park circuit record on a wet track. But the Briton has a penalty of ten places on the grid for an engine change on Friday that exceeds the authorized limit per season.
At the moment, only two points separate the British Hamilton from the Dutch Verstappen before the 16th race of the 22 of the season and their duel will take all the spotlight, despite the fact that Bottas has a good chance of winning the 10th Grand Prix of his career.
By statistics, Bottas achieved his 18th pole position, although it was not the fastest this Saturday. A point of the regulation that surprised the pilots themselves at a press conference.
On Sunday Hamilton can still count on Bottas to once again play his role as a model partner by being the first line of defense against Verstappen and depriving him of valuable points in the fight for the championship.
Especially because “starting second is not a good position, since there is no grip on the inside track” when launching into the first corner, the Dutchman lamented.
Although he applauded the “good improvements” regarding the set-up of his car after the difficulties on Friday, Verstappen does not think he can beat Mercedes on Sunday: “We will try to follow them.”
Try to follow Bottas … with one eye in the rearview mirror. Because Hamilton, who starts from the best possible position despite his suspension and taking into account his pace, can regain ground and fight for his 101st victory.
Two weeks ago in Russia the Dutchman achieved an even more important comeback: starting from last place due to a similar penalty, Verstappen finished 2nd behind his rival.
And last year right here in Turkey, on an equally rainy weekend, Hamilton was only able to finish 6th before winning and claiming his 7th world title, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record.
Depending on the conditions (although the rain is unlikely) and the mistakes, there could be outsiders who also fight for the win, as has happened a few times in recent months. In the second row will be the Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and the French Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri).
Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso (Alpine) will start 5th and Mexican Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) 6th.
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