Lewis Hamilton has stated he’s “undoubtedly not quick any extra” after one other disappointing qualifying efficiency in his remaining season at Mercedes.
Hamilton’s feedback got here after he certified seventh for the dash race on the Qatar Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion, who’s becoming a member of Ferrari subsequent season, was 0.399 seconds slower than team-mate George Russell, who will begin the dash race second behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Hamilton stated: “Similar as each different qualifying – not that nice.
“I am simply sluggish. Similar each weekend. Automotive felt comparatively respectable. You recognize, no points. Probably not way more to say.”
Hamilton is the all-time document holder for pole positions in F1, with 104. The following closest is fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher on 68.
However after being carefully matched in qualifying with Russell over their earlier two seasons collectively, Hamilton has out-qualified his team-mate solely six instances throughout all aggressive qualifying periods in 22 races, together with six dash occasions.
Their comparability is 5-17 in qualifying periods not together with these for dash races.
Russell’s common benefit over the season is 0.16secs a lap.
Till partnering Russell, Hamilton had by no means beforehand been out-qualified by his team-mate over their time collectively.
When it was put to him that the issue couldn’t be him, Hamilton stated: “Who is aware of? I am undoubtedly not quick anymore.”
Friday’s qualifying session set the grid for the dash race in Qatar, which begins at 14:00 UK time on Saturday. There’s a additional qualifying session later that day to set the grid for the grand prix.
Hamilton stated: “If you find yourself all the time again the place I’m it makes it virtually unattainable to compete for wins from there. However that is the dash. I am going to do what I can tomorrow.”
Requested whether or not there have been any positives, Hamilton stated: “Not notably. The optimistic is the automobile is quick and George ought to be capable of shoot for pole tomorrow.”
Hamilton’s team-mate at Ferrari can be Charles Leclerc, who’s regarded by many in F1 because the quickest driver over one lap within the sport.
