Lewis Hamilton keeping his 'head down' after qualifying in Imola

Lewis Hamilton qualified in eighth place for Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The seven-time world champion has Yuki Tsunoda in front of him, who performed exceptionally in his VCARB. Mercedes teammate George Russell finished two places ahead in sixth, as both Silver Arrows' were unable to replicate their positive practice form. This is what the 103-time Grand Prix winner had to say after qualifying in Imola.

Speaking in the paddock post-qualifying, Hamilton said: "I think George's was the maximum pace-wise that our car would do. I couldn't reach that today. Yesterday was looking strong, but it's positive to see us pace-wise a little bit better."

Hamilton was asked why Mercedes have tended to fade away throughout the weekend. "One thing we don't fully understand is that on Friday we seem a bit quicker, and then on Saturday we seem to lose a little bit of time to the others. George was pretty quick out there, so I think we got the tackle set up pretty sweet, as he has done most of this year. For me, a lot to do."

Hamilton's 'head down' while Mercedes develop

The Brit also spoke about how he has managed to stay positive approaching each Grand Prix weekend. "It's just you keep your head down, but you see the differences in the car, weekend in, weekend out, upgrade after upgrade, and then the same things have been said each weekend and the straight speed, all those other things that will change it. Get as many points as I can.

"It's going to be over the next three races or something like that, that we'll start to get the full transition and the full improvements, but we'll still most likely be a little bit draggier than others, particularly the Red Bulls."

Is Hamilton heavily involved in Mercedes development?

Although Hamilton is leaving for Ferrari at the end of the season, he is still playing an active role in development for this season and for the future: "Still, nothing's changed. We're still having our big meetings back at the factory. I'm still fully enjoying working with everyone and having the discussions. The team's been really, really great, and also, I'm massively respectful. I'm here. I'm trying to help this team progress this year and also into next year. The things that I'm working on, these are the things you've got to probably have for next year, and maybe I shouldn't be doing that, but I want the team to excel and succeed."

Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to move forward on race day in Imola.