Canadian GP: Lewis Hamilton rues missed pole chance

The Mercedes driver maintained his record of having always outqualified his team-mate in Montreal, but had to settle for second after finishing 0.087 seconds behind Red Bull's Vettel.

Hamilton said he was set to improve his time on his final run, but went wide in the tricky conditions.

"I don't really know, I was doing a pretty good lap, six or seven tenths up and went wide," said Hamilton, who outqualified team-mate Nico Rosberg for the first time in four races.

"I didn't know if I would have kept it, but I only needed to keep a tenth or so.

"Pole was definitely there, it is a bit unfortunate, but that is the way it goes."

Hamilton, a three-time winner in Canada, was still pleased with his front-row slot, although he conceded the race will not be easy.

"It is good to be on the front row," said Hamilton. "It brings up the chances a little bit. It will be a tough race tomorrow. Seb is quick, Ferrari is quick on long runs, but it depends on the conditions, and at the end of the day I have to do the job.

"I love it here. There is a great crowd so hope we put on a good show for them."

Rosberg, on pole in the last three races, qualified in fourth.