Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, the holder of a record 104 Formula 1 pole positions, expressed deep frustration after a lackluster Sprint Qualifying performance for the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint. The seven-time world champion admitted that his qualifying struggles this season have become a painful recurring theme.
Hamilton’s Struggles in Context
Hamilton qualified seventh, trailing teammate George Russell, who secured P2, by four tenths of a second. The gulf in performance highlighted a trend that has plagued the Briton throughout the 2024 season: Russell has now outqualified Hamilton in GP sessions 17-5 and holds a commanding 5-1 edge in Sprint Qualifying sessions.
The mood in Hamilton’s camp was somber as he reflected on yet another qualifying session that left him on the back foot.
Lewis Hamilton:
“I’m just slow and [it’s the] same every, every weekend. The car felt relatively decent. No issues and not really much more to say.”
Lost Opportunity in Vegas Still Stings
Hamilton’s frustrations have been mounting since the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he showcased strong pace in practice but faltered in qualifying, starting P10. Despite fighting his way back to a superb second-place finish, Hamilton lamented that a clean qualifying session would have handed him an easy victory.
That sentiment carried over into Qatar, where Hamilton bluntly ruled himself out of Sprint victory contention.
Hamilton:
“When you’re always back where I am, it makes it very hard to be competing for… well, almost impossible to be competing for wins from there. That’s the Sprint, I’ll do what I can tomorrow [in GP qualifying].”
Hamilton’s Identity Crisis
When asked if his struggles were car-related or driver-related, Hamilton offered a candid, if disheartening, assessment:
Hamilton:
“Who knows. I’m definitely not fast anymore.”
This introspection marked a stark departure from the confidence that has defined his career. Despite his doubts, Hamilton remains committed to supporting Russell and leveraging Mercedes’ competitive car to keep the team in contention.
Hamilton:
“The positive is that the car is fast, and, you know, George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow.”
Russell’s Optimism Shines Bright
In stark contrast to Hamilton’s despondency, George Russell was upbeat after missing out on Sprint pole by just 0.063s to McLaren’s Lando Norris. Fresh off his Las Vegas GP victory, Russell expressed confidence in both the car and his approach.
George Russell:
“Yeah, it felt really strong all session. The car was really great, and this circuit is really one of the best. When you get into the groove and that rhythm, it’s so fast.”
With nothing to lose in the championship fight, Russell made his intentions clear:
Russell:
“We’re going for the big results. So, you know, we’ll try and make a good start. Of course, the Sprint is just… just a Sprint. But so far, so good.”
A Sprint of Contrasts
While Hamilton grapples with a crisis of confidence, Russell is riding high, ready to challenge for the win in the Sprint. With Mercedes’ W15 appearing competitive, the Qatar GP Sprint offers a stage for Russell to capitalize—and for Hamilton to rediscover the form that once made him untouchable in F1 qualifying.