Hamilton 'overwhelmed' by pole

The McLaren driver also put an end to Red Bull Racing's run of poles, the Milton Keynes team having started from the top spot in the first seven races of the season.

Hamilton's pole was also the third in a row in Canada, the Briton having started first in all his three races in Montreal.

"It has been a great day, a great start to the weekend, overwhelming for me," said Hamilton.

"There's so many memories coming back here. When they told me on the radio I had pole it reminded me of my first pole position here and my first win here in 2007. It's a special day.

"I am proud of my guys. I damaged my car a bit in practice and they fixed it - they are so professional."

Hamilton, winner of the previous race in Turkey, had been far from happy with his day yesterday, but managed to turn things around for qualifying.

The former world champion admitted, however, that the race could be completely different tomorrow.

"The key is that you need to take each day at the time," he added. "We wanted to get as far up the front as possible. For sure when testing, the Option tyre was not the best and it goes off quite quickly.

"I think you might see a completely different race unfold tomorrow, with safety cars to be expected. You have to be fortunate of when they do or don't come out. The track may improve and the Option might end up being the best one. We will keep our heads down."