Lewis Hamilton says he has “nonetheless bought it” after a disappointing qualifying efficiency on the Qatar Grand Prix.
Hamilton begins Sunday’s race sixth after setting a lap 0.436 seconds slower than team-mate George Russell, who begins from pole.
Russell certified second to Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen however was promoted because the Dutchman received a one-place penalty for driving too slowly and impeding the Mercedes.
“Simply the automobile will not go any sooner,” Hamilton stated. “I undoubtedly know I’ve bought it nonetheless. It isn’t a query in my thoughts.”
Hamilton, the all-time Method 1 file holder for pole positions, has now been overwhelmed 18-5 by Russell in grand prix qualifying classes this yr.
The determine is 22-6 if all six qualifying classes for dash occasions are included.
Hamilton was at a loss to clarify why he’s struggling to match Russell this yr over one lap.
“I am gradual,” he stated. “I am half a second off my team-mate in the identical automobile.
“It wasn’t a tough session. My laps had been fairly first rate, simply half a second off.
“I set my automobile up a bit of bit completely different right now and actually the automobile felt nice. It’s the first time we have now made a set-up change and the automobile felt good.
“My laps are usually actually good and I come throughout the road and that’s half a second down.”
He added: “[I’m] trying ahead to the tip [of the season].”
Hamilton’s remarks come a day after he stated following qualifying for the dash occasion in Qatar that he was “definitely not fast any more”.
Hamilton is leaving Mercedes on the finish of 2024, after 12 years with the crew, to maneuver to Ferrari.
Russell stated he anticipated an in depth combat between the highest 4 groups within the grand prix, which begins at 16:00 GMT.
The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who gained the dash occasion in Qatar, locked out the second row. Hamilton in sixth is sandwiched between the Ferraris of his future team-mate Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Russell stated: “It may be thrilling. It may be a very shut combat between all 4 groups. Ferrari regarded on the identical tempo as Lando and myself this morning.
“McLaren have extra choices on the technique with two vehicles however their race is with Ferrari not us and Max. It’s an incredible circuit and I simply can’t wait to go racing.”
McLaren can clinch the constructors’ championship for the primary time since 1998 in the event that they end first and second with the purpose for quickest lap.
Piastri gained the dash race on Saturday after Norris handed him the win on the run to the road.
Norris had managed the pack all through the occasion to make sure Piastri had the benefit of use of the DRS overtaking support to maintain him simply far sufficient forward of Russell to forestall the Mercedes from passing.
Norris stated: “I am not that assured [for the grand prix]. George was faster than us within the dash race, we aren’t as fast because the Mercedes which is able to make our life very tough tomorrow.
“I do not count on something particular. I feel the clear air that I had earlier right now [in the sprint] made us look most likely a bit higher than we had been.
“I do not suppose we have essentially been the quickest to be trustworthy this weekend. I feel Mercedes have.
“So anticipating a tricky battle and excited to see what we will do. I want to give the fellows forward a bit of battle and naturally go ahead. Our goal can be to attempt to win the race however these two guys [Verstappen and Russell] are most likely going to make my life fairly powerful tomorrow.”
