Lewis Hamilton Voices Concerns Over Mercedes Performance Despite Best Qualifying of 2024 at Spanish GP

Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes experienced a drop in performance, even though he achieved his highest qualifying position for the 2024 Formula 1 season during the Spanish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton maintains that Mercedes "suffered a decline in performance" despite achieving his highest qualifying position of the 2024 F1 season to date at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion secured a higher qualifying position than his teammate George Russell for just the second occasion this year, with the Mercedes duo securing third and fourth places on the grid. Hamilton ended the session three-tenths of a second behind McLaren's Lando Norris, who claimed the pole position, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

This occasion signified Hamilton's inaugural appearance among the top three qualifiers in a standard qualifying round since the previous year's Grand Prix in the United States.

Throughout this season, Mercedes has often kicked off their race weekends with strong performances during Friday's practice sessions, but they've consistently experienced a drop in speed during qualifying. However, this pattern wasn't observed in Barcelona, where Hamilton believed his W15 had additional speed reserves.

"Hamilton expressed, "I sense a dip in my performance entering the qualifiers. It's a matter of viewpoint, hence it's possible they simply advanced.

"However, I certainly sense there was something extra. Yet, when you begin to push the vehicle, it resists. During practice, if you maintain a slight margin, the car operates quite smoothly. The challenge arises when you attempt to exert additional pressure on it to shave off more time from the lap; that's where we face difficulties."

"In my opinion, the key factor lies in the tyres. During the first practice, I lagged by seven tenths because of a problem with the tyre warmers. We managed to resolve the issue for the subsequent sessions, but it initially put us at a disadvantage."

"On the other hand, it's beneficial for us to be in this position, and it marks the highest qualifying spot I've achieved this year, so I'm truly thankful for that."

Hamilton swiftly played down the likelihood of securing his first win in more than two years this coming Sunday.

"The 39-year-old expressed concerns about the challenge ahead, noting, 'I believe it's going to be quite tough. Norris and Verstappen, in particular, are expected to be very fast."

"Location is key, and since there are two of us, we're aiming to work together to exert pressure on both cars in front, potentially creating an advantage through strategic play."

"Tomorrow focuses on tyre wear and our maintenance strategy. We'll only understand our position after the initial run commences."

Hamilton noted, "My main worry is likely the Ferraris trailing us. It appears we're all closely matched, with just about half a tenth separating third from either the fifth or sixth position."

This past weekend, they implemented some improvements. It appears their pace for longer distances has significantly enhanced, suggesting a greater emphasis on teamwork and maintaining their current standing at the very least.

"If we find ourselves with extra speed at our disposal and can keep up with the others, then we're in for a competition. However, the reality will only become clear tomorrow, and tire wear is always the crucial factor."

"Having a great weekend allows you to preserve your balance and the back tires, which will be crucial for tomorrow."

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