Lewis Hamilton has mentioned he’s “positively not quick any extra” after one other disappointing qualifying efficiency in his ultimate 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 ‘.
Hamilton mentioned: “Identical as each different qualifying – not that nice.
“I am simply gradual. Identical each weekend. Automotive felt comparatively first rate. You understand, no points. Not likely far more to say.”
Hamilton is the all-time document holder for pole positions in F1, with 104. The subsequent closest is fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher on 68.
However after being intently matched in qualifying with Russell over their earlier two seasons collectively, Hamilton has out-qualified his team-mate solely six occasions 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 mentioned: “Who is aware of? I am positively 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 mentioned: “When you’re at all times again the place I’m it makes it virtually inconceivable to compete for wins from there. However that is the dash. I will do what I can tomorrow.”
Requested whether or not there have been any positives, Hamilton mentioned: “Not significantly. The optimistic is the automotive is quick and George ought to have the ability to shoot for pole tomorrow.”
Hamilton’s team-mate at Ferrari might be Charles Leclerc, who’s regarded by many in F1 because the quickest driver over one lap within the sport.
