‘Not my best F1 qualifying’ - Hamilton after defeat to Bottas at Monza

Hamilton looked favourite to take pole position at Monza having shown impressive pace up until Q3.

Benefitting from a slipstream off Bottas, Hamilton led the way after the first runs, with the Finn down in fifth.

Bottas pipped Hamilton at the end of Q3, making the most of a tow from the train of cars ahead to take pole for tomorrow’s sprint race.

It’s only the fourth time in 2021 that Hamilton has been beaten his teammate in qualifying.

Reflecting on the session, Hamilton said: “There was plenty in it. I mean it’s close between us all. Valtteri did a great job right at the end. Not the best of qualifyings for me. P1 was really.

“For whatever reason, I just struggled in the session, but anyways, still on the front row. It’s great to have a front-row lock-out for the team. It’s great as I said, particularly with the news last week to see Valtteri driving so well.”

Max Verstappen will start third, beating Lando Norris by the narrowest of margins.

Hamilton says it was a surprise to see Red Bull so close after it struggled for pace in the first two parts of qualifying.

“I don’t know where they pulled out their pace but it’s going to be close,” he added. “They were miles off in 1 and 2 but suddenly they were right up there with us. That shows it’s super close.”