“Will Just Be a Train”: Hamilton Pessimistic About Sprint Race Qualifying Format at British GP

The upcoming British Grand Prix will play host to the new sprint qualifying format to an F1 weekend. Although the format is already in place in Formula Two, F1 drivers will attempt this format for the first time in Silverstone on July 17th. While its introduction has drawn mixed reviews, Lewis Hamilton believes it won’t provide much excitement.

With the Austrian Grand Prix done and dusted, the Briton gave his views on why it won’t be as exciting as it seems.

Lewis Hamilton believes sprint qualifying in Silverstone will “just be a train”

The Briton’s woes this season continued at the Austrian Grand Prix as he fell further behind Max Verstappen in the driver’s championship. Despite showing good pace early on, the defending champion finished 4th to go 32 points behind his Dutch rival.

Although his home race in Silverstone will be the first of three races to test the sprint qualifying format, he believes it won’t be very exciting. While it will determine the starting grid for the main race on Sunday, Hamilton believes it will only be a procession of F1 cars.

He said, “It will just be a train, probably. Hopefully there will be some overtaking, but most likely it won’t be too exciting.”

However, the Briton admitted it’s worth a try before giving it a proper judgment. “We’ll wait and see,” said the defending world champion. “There’s no point judging it before we even get into it.”

WATCH STORY: What Are Sprint Races & Where Will They Be Held?

Can Hamilton bounce back in the British Grand Prix?

Although the Briton has a record seven wins in his home Grand Prix, the chances of making it eight this season look bleak. With Red Bull trailblazing almost every race so far, Hamilton’s challenge looks far greater than ever before.

However, extending his contract with Mercedes and returning to a full crowd in Silverstone could give him the boost he needs to mount a stiff challenge this weekend. Can the Briton upset the odds and take his fourth win of the season on July 18? Only time will tell.

READ MORE: Why is Lewis Hamilton Not Very Popular Among the British F1 Fans?