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Hamilton's tough verdict after disappointing qualifying in Qatar: 'I'm just slow'
Lewis Hamilton has been left disappointed after qualifying in sixth place, half a second behind teammate George Russell, who was challenging for pole. The seven-time world champion qualified 10th last week in Las Vegas after an error in Q3 and has struggled to put a good lap together when needed across the course of the 2024 season. In the Losail International Circuit paddock, the Brit reflected on a disappointing day.
Although the car felt good, Hamilton was clearly frustrated with his result in the deserts of Qatar. "We fixed the balancing. It was much better. Pretty straightforward session, the car was feeling pretty decent," he began. "I mean, I'm slow. About half a second off my teammate," Hamilton said bluntly.
He was then asked if it was something that could be changed before his last weekend with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi next week. "No, it's been all year."
Hamilton responds to critics: 'I know I've still got it!'
The 104-time polesitter, who so often used to put it together in qualifying, has been struggling. "Yeah, I know I've still got it. The car won’t go any faster. I know I have got it. It’s not a question of mine," he replied to a question asking if he's 'still got it'. "I’m looking forward to the end," the Brit bluntly replied. "It's not possible to change it."
Finally, Hamilton was asked about his battle with his future Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. The pair went toe to toe in the sprint race, with the Monegasque coming out on top this time around. "It was alright, it was fair, nice and close. I didn't defend, I should have defended, but I didn't. He was a bit quicker than me, and he was probably going to come by anyway. So if I'm in the same position again tomorrow, I'll put more of a fight on for sure." The Mercedes driver concluded.
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