Lewis Hamilton has admitted he’s struggling to “bond” together with his Ferrari F1 automotive as his qualifying travails continued on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion almost went out in Q1 and Q2 earlier than solely managing a lap ok for seventh on the grid as he ended up half a second behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who grabbed fourth.
Hamilton has been lagging behind Leclerc all weekend up to now in Jeddah and was additionally outqualified by the driving force he changed at Ferrari, Williams’ Carlos Sainz, for the second consecutive weekend.
“It was difficult, as at all times, qualifying for me,” Hamilton advised Sky Sports activities F1.
“I have been nowhere all weekend – thirteenth I feel in nearly each session – so, actually, I really feel grateful to have gotten to Q3 and P7.
“Not a spectacular final lap however have been making enhancements all weekend. Wanted a greater lap on the finish however, as I mentioned, I am simply grateful to be there. Nonetheless loads of time to return.”
Requested if he’s hopeful the race can a minimum of be higher, the 40-year-old Briton replied: “Praying, extra like! Making an attempt to bond with this automotive on a single lap is one thing that I’m discovering very tough in the intervening time.
“However we do not surrender. When there is a will there is a approach, we hold pushing, hold making an attempt, have gotten some superb help so simply hold working laborious.”
Charles Leclerc not joyful regardless of P4
Leclerc as soon as once more obtained all the pieces out of his Ferrari on his method to fourth behind Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell.
Nonetheless, the Monegasque was removed from happy, lamenting Ferrari’s total lack of grip and efficiency as he ended up 0.376s off the tempo.
“I’m removed from happy, I’m very upset total,” Leclerc defined.
“If you do all the pieces you’ll be able to with the automotive and that finally ends up P4 it’s simply irritating and disappointing. However that’s what is succesful with that automotive for the second.
“I can change the constraints going from oversteer or understeer however on the finish of the day we simply don’t have sufficient grip to carry the pace that they [rivals] are carrying.
“It’s disappointing as a result of we anticipated extra from a observe like this. We’re simply lacking.”
