Lewis Hamilton doubts his top speed: "I'm not fast anymore"

Lewis Hamilton Has he lost his speed on a lap? The seven-time world champion, author of 104 pole positions in his career, is no longer launched from the first place on a starting grid of a Grand Prix of Formula 1 since Hungary in 2023, more than a year ago. In 2024, the Briton has only appeared on the front row once, at the British Grand Prix where he took the first of his two victories obtained this season.

The 39-year-old driver was largely beaten in the qualifying exercise by his teammate George Russell who leads 17 to 5 in their duel this season (excluding the Sprint qualifiers). This Friday evening, during the qualifying session for the Sprint this Saturday in Qatar, the elder was once again distanced by his compatriot. Russell was only beaten by Lando Norris (McLaren) by 0,063 seconds, with Hamilton finishing seventh, four-tenths behind the other Silver Arrow.

« Like all the other qualifiers this season, this one wasn't great. " said Sir Lewis Hamilton after the session. The Englishman did not seek to justify his poor performance with a car not to his liking or erratic. I'm just slow, and it's the same every weekend. The car was relatively good, no problems. There's not much to add. »

Lewis Hamilton's reaction on video:

“I’m not fast anymore” 😮

Lewis Hamilton without a solution after his 7th place in sprint qualifying, almost 4 tenths behind George Russell 🇶🇦

What do you think about the Briton's situation? 🤔 #QatarGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/dOcBDcjo1o

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) November 30, 2024

Particularly disillusioned, Hamilton did not see what he could hope for in the Sprint by starting from this position on the grid. The long stint wasn't too bad [in Free Practice], but when you're always where I am, it's really difficult to compete for – well, almost impossible – to compete for wins from that position. But it's the Sprint, I'll do what I can tomorrow (today). »

If he doesn't imagine himself being able to play the leading roles, he thinks differently about his teammate. The car is fast and George should be able to aim for pole [for the Grand Prix]. " And Hamilton added with a sad smile: " I'm not fast anymore. » Will he find his top speed again in 2025 at Ferrari ?

Join us this Saturday at 15 p.m. for the Sprint race of the Grand Prix of Qatar, followed at 19 p.m. by the Grand Prix qualifying session.

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