Lewis Hamilton lost his voice while screaming on the radio in response to securing his first F1 pole position since 2021 at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver pipped Max Verstappen by just 0.003 seconds in a dramatic final qualifying session.
Hamilton's team-mate George Russell and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz were eliminated earlier in qualifying, effectively creating a straight shootout between Hamilton, Verstappen and the much-improved McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Advert
Hamilton was in third place as he entered the final sector of his last Q3 lap, with Norris and provisional pole-sitter Verstappen separated by just a tenth ahead of him.
The Mercedes star was a tenth up on Verstappen heading into that final sector, and despite losing time on the Drivers' Championship leader, he squeezed under the Dutchman's time to secure a popular pole position.
It is the first time Hamilton has started at the front of the grid since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - and the emotion that he felt was clear to see and hear.
Advert
Hamilton reacts after emotional pole position
Hamilton's subsequent win in Jeddah in 2021 was also his most recent race win, with his Mercedes car not able to compete for victories throughout much of 2022.
It has been a similar story this season. Despite having a comparatively stronger package on race days, no driver has been able to match Verstappen, who has won each of the last five Grands Prix from pole position.
On a warm Saturday afternoon in Budapest, however, Hamilton managed to lap quicker than the two-time world champion.
Advert
After being told of his pole position by race engineer Pete Bonnington, the Brit screamed: "Get in there! Let's go boys! That feels so good - thanks for all the hard work guys."
It appeared as if Hamilton was struggling to compose himself as he reacted to the pole - and he told Sky Sports afterwards that he had lost his voice in celebration.
He explained: "It's been a crazy year and a half so I've lost my voice from shouting so much in the car.
Advert
"We've been pushing so hard, so to finally get this pole feels like the first time. I have it absolutely everything, there was nothing left in it."
"I'll just try and see if I can sleep tonight," he added. "We will study as hard as I can and we will bring everything."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris
Ryan Smart