Hamilton: We're going to fight for a chance into Turn 1

The reigning Formula 1 World Champion was second fastest on a day in which he enjoyed seeing fans back in the stands, and aims to get their 'party' going with a drag race to Turn 1 when the red-lights switch off tomorrow.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas promises much of the same: a double-pronged Black Arrows attack on Max Verstappen into Turn 1.

Speaking to media after an intriguing qualifying at Paul Ricard, Hamilton promised: "We're going to fight for a chance into Turn 1 and there could be some interesting strategy tomorrow, and I think there could be some rain tomorrow, so a chance to see a rain master.

"We'll keep pushing, keep fighting and giving it everything. Their long-run pace is a tenth or two quicker than us, but the car's in a much different place now," affirmed Hamilton.

Earlier he greeted fans cheering from the grandstands across from parc ferme and added: "British flags... so many people here. It warms my heart to see people coming together.

"It's been a really hard weekend - not physically but trying to get the car into a happy place. Going round and round, making so many changes since practice one - chasing our tail.

"Congrats to Max, he did an incredible job. I think they have a new engine - not a new spec - but a new engine and there's a lot of time on the straights," explained Hamilton.

The Briton has yet to lose a race since Paul Ricard rejoined the F1 calendar, winning in 2018 and 2019. He will be looking for a repeat, or at least to beat Verstappen who leads the standings by four points aheda of Sunday's round seven.