Lewis Hamilton has conceded Mercedes escaped failing in the Canadian Grand Prix qualifying "lottery" as rain delivered a "hair-raising" challenge. The Briton will start fourth on the grid, just ahead of teammate George Russell, despite the Silver Arrows struggling for pace across Saturday's running as wet weather running dominated proceedings. The W14 was unable to generate sufficient heat when fitted with the Intermediate tyres, yet a timely red flag in Q3, coupled with heavier rainfall, allowed a promising starting position for what is expected to be a dry race. Addressing his session, Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.com : "With this generation of cars, it is a lot trickier than in previous years to get temperature into the tyres. "The cars are so stiff so it is snappy-snappy. Very difficult to keep on track. "The last lap, the one lap we did, it was ok but lots of snaps, the rear temperatures were unfortunately not in the window. It was hair-raising that's for sure."
Lottery conditions
Q2 took place in drying conditions, though rain did begin to fall again later in the 15-minute session. Mercedes opted to keep both Hamilton and Russell out on Intermediates despite the Softs showing greater pace. Both drivers squeaked through and on the difficulties of choosing between Softs and Intermediates in such conditions, Hamilton explained: "It was a lottery, rolling the dice trying to get it right. "I don't think we did, but we got through, just."
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