This is the first time this season that Ferrari has had both cars in the top three in qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton called his best qualifying finish for Ferrari before the race in Mexico City on Sunday “a big step” after what he described as a “heavy haul” of a season so far with the team.
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The seven-time world champion will start third after an impressive performance from Ferrari, while teammate Charles Leclerc finished second fastest behind Lando Norris, who secured pole position.
Hamilton has had a difficult time since leaving Mercedes this winter – and is yet to win a race for the team.
He faces a difficult task of changing that statistic this weekend, as Norris looked convincing. However, three of the last five races in Mexico have been won from third starting position.
But Hamilton is just happy to see things improve for the team.
“Definitely happy that we’re making progress and finally up there,” he said.
“Charles has been used to these results, or at least to being close to the front for most of the year, but for me it’s been a tough haul to be around sixth, seventh or eighth place – mostly eighth.”
“So achieving third place is a big step for us, and I’m very grateful for the team’s efforts and the fantastic support I’ve received from the team.”
This is also the first time this season that both Ferraris have qualified in the top three, with Hamilton adding:
“These guys have been so fast all year and it’s a fantastic feeling.”
“The team really deserves this, so we’re working as hard as we can, and I’m super grateful to everyone on this team for keeping pushing and not giving up.”
Hamilton has 105 race wins in his career, but the last time he stood on the top step of the podium was at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix.
The 40-year-old driver believes his starting position on Sunday gives him the best opportunity to attack and strengthen his hopes of ending the wait for a win.
“It’s not so nice on the inside, it’s quite dirty there. So quite grateful to be in third place,” he added.
“Third starting position is not a bad place to start here, so I’m going to be quite aggressive, and I want to go forward.”
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