Sebastian Vettel expressed sympathy towards Formula 1 title rival Lewis Hamilton, after the Mercedes driver made an early exit in German Grand Prix qualifying.
Hamilton suffered a hydraulic failure during the closing stages of Q1 and was forced to halt his Mercedes W09 on track, leaving him out of the remainder of the session.
Vettel went on to claim pole position at Hockenheim, the first time he has achieved the feat since 2010, while Hamilton was classified in 14th place.
GERMAN GRAND PRIX: Qualifying results | Photo gallery
“Obviously you look after yourself and obviously for me it was a good session,” said Vettel, who holds an eight point lead over Hamilton in the standings.
“We prepared the car well and everything went smoothly. Obviously you always try to push the limits.
“You don’t wish anything bad or something like a technical issue which he had, I understand, to happen to anyone, so it was a shame to see him go out and I mean it.”
Vettel nonetheless revelled in taking top spot in front of his home supporters.
“I think today is definitely one of the best moments,” he said.
“I have a bit of a mixed relationship with this track. It seems sometimes we were really close in the past then for some reason it didn’t come together.
“So far this weekend it’s been great. The car is behaving well. I think we improved it for today.
“Tomorrow we need to be sharp. I don’t know what the weather’s going to be like. I think anything can happen. For now, that doesn’t matter. I’m just happy.
“It’s great to get the lap together here and obviously it means a lot with the support that I get – and we get as a team, with so many passionate German tifosi.
“think I have done decent laps, I have done bad laps. This is one of the better ones but I don’t think… I’m not a fan of saying this is the best I’ve ever done. I hope the best I will ever do is yet to come.”
