Vettel takes pole for German GP; Hamilton down in 14th
HOCKENHEIM, Germany — Sebastian Vettel secured pole position for the German Grand Prix on Saturday while Lewis Hamilton’s hopes took another blow.
Already trailing in the title race, Hamilton starts Sunday’s race from 14th place after a hydraulic failure.
A huge roar went up from German fans at the Hockenheimring as their local favourite — Vettel grew up near to the track — moved top of the leaderboard with seconds left in qualifying.
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas had only just beaten Vettel’s leading time, when Vettel produced a stunning lap to move back in front. Ferrari’s good day was completed with Kimi Raikkonen third fastest ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.