Hamilton: 'Hats off to Valtteri, he did a better job than me'

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Lewis Hamilton bowed to Valtteri Bottas' performance following the Finn's first ever Formula 1 pole position.

The Brit said he genuinely felt happy for his Mercedes team mate, and refused to resort to any excuses to justify missing out on the number one spot on the grid.

"I'm honestly not disappointed," said Hamilton.

"When I finished the lap, of course I was like 'Dammit, that time got away from me,' but I'm generally really happy for him. It's always good to see good things happen to good people.

"He's been working so hard, he's gelled so well with the team, and today he was just quicker than me, he did the better job, so hats off to him."

Bottas beats Hamilton to Bahrain pole!

Hamilton admitted that he has struggled since yesterday with the first sector.

"My first lap felt great, I looked up [at the television] and the time was so close, so I thought, 'Wow that was a great lap, he [Bottas] did a great job'," he said.

"But I was losing quite a bit of time through the first sector, it was generally my weaker point, and usually it's a stronger point for me, so I'll work on it for tomorrow.

"Valtteri found some great pace through the first sector; the second and third sectors ended up being quite good, but overall I was a little bit down.

"It was a great battle, that's how close quali should always be, it forces us to be on the limit.

"I'm generally happy with the job I did and it's great for the team to be one-two."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Saturday in Bahrain

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.