believes he’s “undoubtedly not quick sufficient anymore” after enduring one other forward of the Qatar Grand Prix.
In what’s Hamilton’s penultimate weekend as a driver earlier than his change to Ferrari, he certified seventh for the dash race on the Lusail Worldwide Circuit.
He recorded a time 0.399 seconds slower than teammate , who will begin the race in second behind McLaren’s .
It acts as the newest qualifying setback in a 12 months through which Hamilton has been persistently outperformed by Russell over a single lap, sparking a damning admission from the seven-time world champion.
“Similar as each different qualifying – not that nice,” Hamilton mentioned. “I’m simply gradual. Similar each weekend. Automotive felt comparatively respectable. You already know, no points. Not likely way more to say.”
Hamilton is essentially the most profitable driver within the sport’s historical past and boasts the all-time document for pole positions in F1, main the pack with 104.
Nevertheless, Hamilton has discovered himself chasing Russell’s tail increasingly over the previous two seasons, out-qualifying his teammate solely six instances throughout all aggressive qualifying periods in 22 races.
Russell had by no means beforehand out-qualified Hamilton earlier than partnering with him at Mercedes in 2022.
When put to Hamilton in his post-session interview that his qualifying struggles couldn’t be about him, he replied: “Who is aware of? I’m undoubtedly not quick anymore.”
The dash race in Qatar is ready to start at 2pm GMT on Saturday, with an additional qualifying session scheduled later that day for Sunday’s grand prix.
Lamenting his poor beginning place, Hamilton doesn’t see a path to victory within the dash – as an alternative hoping that Russell can convey residence a end result for Mercedes.
“When you’re all the time again the place I’m it makes it nearly unattainable to compete for wins from there,” Hamilton added. “However that’s the dash. I’ll do what I can.
“The constructive is the automotive is quick and George ought to have the ability to shoot for pole tomorrow.”
