Lewis Hamilton again breaks the record of the Istanbul track (1.22.868), but (due to engine replacement) from the first line in the Turkish Grand Prix will leave his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, and rival his in the title race, Max Verstappen, who recorded the second and third best time in the official rehearsals.
In the second row will be Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly with Alpha Tauri. Hamilton will start from the sixth row.
Mission accomplished for Mercedes, but Red Bull is no exception. In fact, Hamilton overlooks the penalty he received with the track record.
His team-mate, Bottas, will be tasked with keeping Max Verstappen in the starting line-up for as long as possible to enable Hamilton to gain position and then try to succeed.
Walter’s previous “tactics” in favor of Lewis have not been very effective, but in this case Mercedes’ goal coincides with that of Bottas, to aim for the highest podium level, as long as Hamilton will not be immediately after him.
