Components 1 2021: Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas beats teammate Lewis Hamilton to take pole at Portuguese GP-Sports activities Information , Firstpost

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, proper, congratulates teammate Valtteri Bottas after he clocked the quickest time in the course of the qualifying session forward of the Portugal Grand Prix. AP

Portimao: Valtteri Bottas took pole place for the Portuguese Grand Prix with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finishing a Mercedes front-row lockout in qualifying on Saturday.

Hamilton’s pursuit of a 100th pole on the observe the place final yr he notched up his document 92nd win was delayed when Bottas earned the 17th of his profession.

“It is a good feeling to be on pole,” stated Bottas.

He added: “Feels prefer it’s been some time. It has been a weak level for me within the first two races. The staff have been working exhausting all weekend and now we have a very good place for tomorrow.”

Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen, one level off Hamilton within the drivers’ standings, took third on Sunday’s grid together with his teammate Sergio Perez alongside him on the second row in Portimao.

Carlos Sainz for Ferrari got here in fifth forward of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris, in a McLaren, and Charles Leclerc within the second Ferrari.

Hamilton paid tribute to Bottas “and our staff” for us each to be on the entrance row.

“It was not anticipated. We’ve to be pleased for that, it was not the proper lap however I gave it every thing.

“You possibly can by no means be happy, we exist to maintain transferring ahead however I am proud of what we’re doing and the steps we’re taking.”

Hamilton narrowly leads the 2021 championship after he gained the opener in Bahrain earlier than his Dutch rival Verstappen hit again within the Emilia Romagna GP at Imola.

This weekend the Briton is becoming a member of the social media blackout that includes a number of worldwide sports activities our bodies in addition to people in a protest over on-line abuse.