Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has shared his reaction after narrowly missing out on victory in the Sprint race at Silverstone on Saturday, July 4.
The seven-time Formula One world champion started from pole position after edging out Mercedes youngster Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds in Sprint Qualifying. Hopes were high for Hamilton at his home circuit, but the Ferrari driver was unable to hold off the charging Italian as the race unfolded.
Hamilton briefly led the Sprint before Antonelli made his move on Lap 8. The Mercedes driver continued to pull away and eventually crossed the finish line 2.745 seconds ahead of the Briton to secure the first Sprint victory of his Formula One career.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the win, Hamilton remained positive about Ferrari's progress and praised Antonelli's performance.
“I gave it absolutely everything,” Hamilton said after the race.
“I said yesterday that it could be difficult. With the strong headwind down the back straight today, Kimi came flying past.”
The 41-year-old admitted Mercedes' pace proved difficult to match but insisted Ferrari is continuing to make important gains as the season progresses.
“I am really, really happy with the efforts the team is making to try and close the gap,” he added.
Antonelli's victory further strengthened his growing reputation as one of Formula One's brightest young talents. The young Mercedes driver delivered a composed performance under pressure to convert his front-row start into a memorable Sprint triumph at Silverstone.
Hamilton and Ferrari will now shift their focus to the remainder of the British Grand Prix weekend, with the seven-time world champion hoping to challenge for a stronger result in front of his home crowd.