Hamilton finished second in the 19-lap race - his ꦇbest result in the sprint format since its inaugura🧔l event at Silverstone in 2021.

The seven-time world champion was able to remain ๊in DRS range of Verstappen in the opening six laps before dropping🐈 back.

Speaking after the sprint, Hamilton was pleased with Mercedes’ improvement but acknowledged that they still have “a long way to go” to be a serious challe🤡nger to Verstappen.

“That was a fun race,” he said. “A good start down to Turn 1 and the battle with Charles, and then I was trying early on to get closer to Max but their pace is just undeniable at the mo🐠me𒀰nt but I am happy we’re a bit closer. 

“We’ve still got a long ꦺway to go to keep the pace he was doing throughout🐷 the race but nonetheless happy to be back on the podium.”

Looking ahead to the main event on Sunday, Hamilton will once again start from third, with 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Charles Leclerc on pole position ahead of 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Lando Norris.

Verstap﷽pꦫen will start on sixth after he invalided his best lap in conventional qualifying which would have been good enough for pole.

“I think that will be helpful for us at tꩵhe front,” Hamilton replied when asked about Verstappen’s grid position.

“Ultimately, I think he will𒁏 be breathing down our necks before too lon✤g with the pace that he had today. I think that will open up for a good fight with Charles and Lando. 

“We’re all quite similar in pace. Hopefully we get to have a good battle tomorrow and if we can all keep Max behind that will be aweso🌟me but if not no worries.”