Lewis Hamilton admits he's lost his speed amid qualifying struggles
- Lewis Hamilton finished seventh in the sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, while his teammate George Russell secured second place.
- Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, admitting he feels slow and has not improved throughout the season.
- As Hamilton prepares for his final season before moving to Ferrari, he reflects on the difficulties of competing for wins from a lower starting position.
In Lusail, Qatar, during the sprint qualifying session leading up to the Qatar Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton experienced another disappointing performance. Qualifying on Friday, Hamilton secured a seventh-place finish, continuing a pattern of struggles he has faced this season, particularly in qualifying events. His Mercedes team-mate, George Russell, managed to impress, achieving a second-place position behind Lando Norris from McLaren. This result highlights a growing disparity in performance between the two drivers, as Hamilton's head-to-head record against Russell now stands at 17 wins for Russell and only five for Hamilton, excluding sprint races. Following the session, Hamilton offered a candid reflection on his difficulties, stating, 'Same as every other qualifying, not that great,' emphasizing his ongoing struggles with speed. He pointed out that the car felt relatively decent and that he had not experienced any major issues but still acknowledged that he was slow, which is a recurring theme this season. Hamilton expressed frustration with always finding himself at the back during qualifications, remarking that it makes competing for wins almost impossible. Hamilton's performance in Qatar is part of a broader trend throughout the 2024 season, where he has consistently been outpaced by Russell. As he prepares for his final season with Mercedes before transitioning to Ferrari, these qualifying struggles raise questions regarding Hamilton's competitiveness in the remaining races. His remarks indicate a sense of acceptance about his current performance levels, suggesting that he recognizes the challenges he faces within the team dynamics. With insight into the situation, Hamilton remains hopeful about his performance in the subsequent races, stating, 'The positive is the car is fast,' which suggests confidence in the potential of the vehicle despite his personal struggles. His forthcoming efforts will be crucial not only for his standings but also for maintaining morale within the team as they navigate a challenging season together, focusing on improving their outcomes in the races to come.