Hamilton finished second in the 19-lap ra🐼ce - his best result in the sprint format since its inaugural event at Silverstone in 2021.

The seven-time world champion was able to remain in DRS range of Verstappen in the opening six laps before dr⛄opping back.

Speaking aft🐼er the sprint, Hamilton was pleased with Mercedes’ improvement but acknowledged that th𒀰ey still have “a long way to go” to be a serious challenger to Verstappen.

“That was a fun race,” he said. “A good start down to Turn ﷺ1 and the battle with Charles⭕, and then I was trying early on to get closer to Max but their pace is just undeniable at the moment but I am happy we’re a bit closer. 

“We’ve still got a long way to go to keep the pace he was doing through💖out the race but nonetheless happy to be back on the podium.”

Looking ahead to the main event on Sunday, Hamilton will once again start from third, with 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Charles Leclerc on pole position ahead of 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Lando Norris.

Verstappen will start on sixth after he invalided his best lap in conventional qualify𝓀ing which would h𓃲ave been good enough for pole.

“I think that will be helpful for us at the front,” Hamilton replied when asked about Verstappen’s g💎rid positꦉion.

“Ultimately, I think he will be breathing down our necks before too long with the pace that he had today. I think thꩲat will open up for a good fight with Charles and Lando. 

“We’re all quite similar in pace. Hopefully we get to have a good battle tomorrow and if we can all keep M🌊ax behind that will be awesome b🎉ut if not no worries.”