- World champion edges out Max Verstappen to reach century
- Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas starts in third
Lewis Hamilton was unable to hide his delight as he celebrated his 100th pole position in Formula One with the same unbridled joy that marked his first. In claiming the top spot for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix this was a unique century for a unique driver, the first time any F1 driver has reached the century as yet another milestone fell to the world champion.
Hamilton has never chased records but it was clear from the moment he climbed from his cockpit and celebrated that this felt special. It is said a batsman reaching a ton on this form is seeing the bowler’s ball “like a beachball”. Hamilton has his eye in and has long been wielding his car in imperious style. Flawless again, he beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen into second by three-hundredths of a second at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas into third.
