I'm just slow": A dejected Lewis Hamilton reflects on disappointing

I’m just slow”: A dejected Lewis Hamilton reflects on disappointing start to Qatar GP……read more

Lewis Hamilton’s performance at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix got off to a disappointing start, leaving the Mercedes driver visibly frustrated after struggling in the Sprint qualifying on Friday. Having enjoyed a stellar weekend at the recently concluded Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he managed to recover from a P10 start to finish in second place, Hamilton’s return to form in Qatar seemed elusive. Despite his confidence and the high expectations surrounding him, his efforts in qualifying were underwhelming, leaving him in P7—far from where he wanted to be.

The Qatar Grand Prix weekend is pivotal for both drivers and teams, as it marks the penultimate race of the 2024 season and the final Sprint race of the year. Mercedes had high hopes for Hamilton heading into this event, especially after the encouraging results from Las Vegas. Team principal Toto Wolff had even expressed optimism earlier in the weekend, suggesting that the Silver Arrows could be competitive in Qatar. However, Hamilton’s initial performance cast doubt on those predictions.

The Sprint qualifying on Friday set the stage for a disappointing start for Hamilton, as he couldn’t match the pace of his competitors, finishing P7. The results were a sharp contrast to his performance in Las Vegas, where he demonstrated exceptional recovery skills, managing to climb from a 10th-place starting position to claim second place in the race. That result had reignited some optimism for Hamilton, but Qatar presented an entirely different challenge, one that left him searching for answers.

In contrast to Hamilton’s struggles, McLaren’s Lando Norris delivered a sensational performance by securing pole position in the Sprint qualifying. Norris’ P1 was a significant achievement, showcasing McLaren’s continued progress in 2024. Right behind him on the grid was Mercedes’ George Russell, who also showed strong form with P2. Meanwhile, another McLaren driver, Oscar Piastri, completed the top three by qualifying in P3, reinforcing McLaren’s competitiveness this season.

Despite the strong performances from other drivers, Hamilton’s mood was one of dejection as he reflected on his lackluster qualifying results. “I’m just slow,” Hamilton admitted after the session, acknowledging the gap in pace between him and the leaders. The admission of feeling “slow” was a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanor, underscoring the frustration he was feeling in the car.

It’s worth noting that the Qatar Grand Prix circuit, with its unique characteristics, presents a set of challenges that require a specific setup and strategy. While some drivers may excel, others, like Hamilton, may find themselves struggling to extract the full potential from their cars. Mercedes has had its fair share of ups and downs this season, and Hamilton’s underwhelming start to the weekend was just another chapter in the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Adding to Hamilton’s frustration was the fact that his team had worked hard in the lead-up to the Qatar race, with hopes of improving their performance compared to previous events. Wolff had emphasized that Mercedes had made progress, but it was clear that the gap to the frontrunners in Qatar remained significant. The team’s optimism had yet to translate into the kind of results they had hoped for, and Hamilton’s underperformance was a bitter pill to swallow.

Hamilton’s struggle in Qatar was further compounded by the overall competitiveness of the grid. With McLaren showing strong form through Norris and Piastri, and Russell proving that he could challenge for front-row positions, Hamilton was finding it difficult to match the pace of his rivals. The depth of talent across the grid, including the rising stars from McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, has made the 2024 season a highly competitive one, leaving little room for mistakes.

As the weekend continued, Hamilton remained determined to turn things around, but the challenges of the Qatar circuit seemed to be wearing him down. The Mercedes driver, who has long been a dominant force in Formula 1, found himself in an unfamiliar position: fighting to regain his pace and confidence in the midst of a highly competitive field.

For now, Hamilton’s focus is on the Sprint race on Saturday and the main Grand Prix on Sunday, where he will be hoping to make up for his disappointing start. While his chances of contending for victory may seem slim, Hamilton’s resilience and ability to recover from setbacks make him a driver who is never truly out of the fight.

In conclusion, Hamilton’s underwhelming start to the Qatar GP weekend serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1. Despite his brilliant performances in Las Vegas and his proven ability to fight back, Hamilton faces a tough challenge in Qatar. With a strong field of competitors and a circuit that demands precision and performance, Hamilton will need to dig deep to salvage a result that matches his ambitions. Only time will tell if he can turn his fortunes around and finish the weekend on a high note.