Ocon nearly took Hamilton's place in Germany because of illness!

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he was close to tapping out of the German Grand Prix this weekend due to illness, with Mercedes reserve driver Esteban Ocon almost taking the Brit's place on Saturday.

Despite his illness, the 34-year-old drove both FP3 as well as qualifying on Saturday, keeping Ocon on the sidelines.

Hamilton pulled out a pole position during the afternoon, with both Ferrari cars breaking down as the session progressed.

Asked by Autosport afterwards, Hamilton admitted he was close to folding at the Hockenheimring.

"I wasn't feeling good this morning, bit of a sore throat," he said during the press conference after qualifying.

"I did the practice and we were prepared to be able to put the second driver [Ocon] in, that was the worst-case scenario. [However,] we got through, good."

Hamilton will be joined by Max Verstappen on the front row tomorrow, with Valtteri Bottas starting from third.