Beginning third, the Mercedes driver seized the chance of entrance row starter Charles Leclerc shedding momentum out of Flip 1, following a failed transfer previous Verstappen away from the beginning, to seize second place.
However though Hamilton was then in a position to shadow Verstappen for the opening laps of the race, ultimately he fell out of DRS vary earlier than coming home 9.4 seconds behind.
Whereas Hamilton felt that upgrades at Mercedes had helped his workforce make a step ahead this weekend, he mentioned the shape proven on Saturday highlighted how a lot of an edge Pink Bull nonetheless had.
“That was a enjoyable race,” he mentioned. “Good begin down to show one, and good battle with Charles.
“Then I used to be making an attempt early on to get nearer to Max. However their tempo is simply simple in the mean time.
“I am completely happy we’re a little bit bit nearer. We’ve nonetheless received a good distance to have the ability to eke the tempo that he was doing all through the race. However nonetheless, I am actually completely happy to be again on the rostrum.”
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB19
Hamilton’s hopes of doing higher within the grand prix on Sunday can be boosted by the truth that Verstappen is starting in sixth place, however he was in little question that the Dutchman can be a risk for the win.
“In the end, I feel he can be respiratory down our necks earlier than too lengthy, with the tempo that he had as we speak,” he mentioned.
“However I feel that may open up for an excellent combat with Charles and Lando. We’re all fairly related in tempo. So hopefully, we get to have an excellent battle tomorrow.
“And if we will all maintain Max behind. that’d be superior. But when not, no worries.”
Verstappen himself mentioned that he by no means felt significantly threatened within the race after he shut the door on Leclerc at first, regardless of Hamilton being inside DRS vary early on.
“It was all the time like eight/9 tenths for a couple of laps, however that was all controllable into the braking zone,” he mentioned.
“The DRS, with such large wings right here on this monitor, they’re fairly highly effective. However as soon as I cleared the DRS, then, yeah, all of us settled in our personal rhythms. And I feel the tempo of the automotive was superb as we speak.”