Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (2024)

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (1)Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (2)

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (8)
Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (9)

';if (results[d]['objectType'] == 'article') {ht+= '

' + timeAgo(results[d]['date'], 'en') + '

';}if (results[d]['objectType'] == 'coureur') {ht+= '

Driver, ' + results[d]['subtitle'] + '

';}ht+= '

';ht+= '';//console.log(ht);$("#searchResults").append(ht);fndResults = 1;}i++;}}if (fndResults == 1) { //RESULTATEN GEVONDEN$("#searchResults").show();}}});}lastVal = val; //LAST VALUE}}$( document ).ready(function() {$("#search_2021_window").show();$(".top-header-bar .search_2021").click(function(){if ($(".navigation").hasClass("activeSearch")){$(".navigation").removeClass("activeSearch");$(".search_2021").removeClass("activeSearch");if ($(document).width() <= 768){$("body").css("overflow","auto");}} else {$(".navigation").addClass("activeSearch");$(".search_2021").addClass("activeSearch");setTimeout(function() {$("#search_2021_window .searchbx input").focus();$("#searchResults").html("");$("#searchResults").hide();lastVal = "";}, 200);}});//SEARCH$("#search_2021_window input").keyup(delay(function (e) {replQuotes = $(this).val();activateSearch2(replQuotes);}, 300));$(".searchbx input").click(function() {replQuotes = $(this).val();activateSearch2(replQuotes);});//KEY DOWN EN TABS$('#search_2021_window input').on('keydown', function(event) {//console.log("GOOO ENTERRR: " + event.which + " -- " + event.keyCode);if (event.which === 13) { //enter key down//PREVENT//if([38, 40, 9].indexOf(event.keyCode) > -1) {//event.preventDefault();//handleEventKey(event);//console.log("GOOO ENTERRR 2");//alert("ZOExxK!");//replQuotes = $("#search_2021_window input").val();//alert("FIND: " + replQuotes);//activateSearch2(replQuotes);//} else {//}}})//MOBILEif ($(document).width() <= 768){$("#search_2021_window .back").click(function() {$(".navigation").removeClass("activeSearch");$(".search_2021").removeClass("activeSearch");});$("#search_2021_window .cross").click(function() {$("#search_2021_window .searchbx input").val("");setTimeout(function() {$("#search_2021_window .searchbx input").focus();$("#searchResults").html("");$("#searchResults").hide();lastVal = "";}, 200);});}});$(document).mouseup(function(e) {var containerVisSearch = $(".top-header-bar");// if the target of the click isn't the container nor a descendant of the containerif (!containerVisSearch.is(e.target) && containerVisSearch.has(e.target).length === 0) {$("#searchResults").html("");$("#searchResults").hide();$(".top-header-bar .navigation").removeClass("activeSearch");$(".top-header-bar .search_2021").removeClass("activeSearch");if ($(document).width() <= 768){$("body").css("overflow","auto");}//setTimeout(function() {//$("#search_2021_window input").val("");lastVal = "";//}, 100);}});

  • F1 News
  • F1 Live
    • Qualifying
    • Leaderboard
    • Commentary
  • F1 Standings
  • Race Calendar
  • Drivers
  • Teams
  • F1 Legends
  • F1 Tickets

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

'); }

Lewis Hamilton has been out-qualified by his Mercedes team-mate George Russell 7-1 times this season, a startling statistic for the 104-time pole sitter.

'); }

The champion appeared as an early favourite for pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, but when Saturday’s session arrived he disappeared behind his rivals.

READ MORE: FIA confirm F1 team DISQUALIFICATION in Monaco shock

Instead, Hamilton could only set the seventh fastest time, with his team-mate once again beating him in fifth.

Monaco follows a familiar pattern for Hamilton in 2024, leading to the question - why is Lewis Hamilton struggling in qualifying this year?

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (16)
Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (17)

Hamilton’s 2024 qualifying performance

Hamilton has described 2024 as his worst start to a season, and whilst Mercedes have been out-developed by their rivals, the champion has still underperformed compared to Russell.

The seven-time world champion had his worst session of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he failed to get out of Q1.

"Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't. This car is on a knife edge, as we know, so it can easily do what we have done," he said following the session.

'); }else{$('div#snackban10').hide(); }

Hamilton outlined set-up changes as the reason for being out-performed by his team-mate.

"We made massive changes going into qualifying, so George decided to go one way and it was much different to what we had -- we were both pretty much the same before.

"I went this other direction just to see if we can find something. It didn't feel disastrous, I just couldn't stop the car in Turn 14."

'); }else{$('div#snackban13').hide(); }

Set-up Experimentation

One reason for Hamilton’s dip in performance may be his constant experiments with the set-up of the Mercedes.

Frustrated with where the team are at in 2024, the Brit has tried to extract extra pace in qualifying with these changes, often having the opposite effect.

'); }else{$('div#snackban16').hide(); }

Former designer and now pundit, Gary Anderson, criticised Hamilton’s experiments in his column for the Telegraph.

READ MORE: F1 team boss warns star driver's seat under threat for 2025

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (18)

“There is a knock-on effect that hampers the car’s development long-term, too. If you make odd choices on set-up then a team fails to find a baseline for performance and setup,” Anderson wrote.

“It limits learning about the car. If that is absent then the development path, knowing what to work on in the wind tunnel and improving aerodynamic performance, will be confused too.

“It leaves a team with no positive direction.

“This continues to be a recurring headache for Hamilton but he has at least an end date as he departs for Ferrari.

“In the meantime if he does not want to end the year as the second-best Mercedes driver he should look and learn from Russell and simply take the best out of what he has to work with.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

Technical factors may not be the only issue hampering Hamilton’s qualifying performance this season.

The champion announced he would be leaving Mercedes and moving to Ferrari for 2025.

After revealing he would be moving to a rival team, it is natural that Hamilton will be left out of major discussions concerning Mercedes’ development.

Hamilton’s departure will also make Russell the de-facto number one at Mercedes, a role that may already be beginning at the team.

READ MORE: Verstappen misery continues as Ferrari set impressive pace

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (19)

After qualifying in Monaco, Hamilton cryptically hinted Mercedes were displaying favouritism towards Russell, allowing him to trial new upgrades first.

“I don’t know if it’s a turn down or something but performance comes away from my car for some reason, so it’s frustrating that we’re seventh,” Hamilton said to the media, including GPFans.

“The small difference between the two cars is that George has the upgraded front wing so that created a performance difference, particularly in the high speed but for some reason as we got to qualifying, I had no more.

“I expect it now, every time I come into qualifying, I already know I’m gonna lose a couple of tenths.”

“I don’t anticipate being ahead of George in qualifying this year,” he added.

Whilst Mercedes could be starting to favour Russell, it cannot be the only reason for Hamilton’s poor qualifying performances.

The champion will be hoping that this is a product of a final and frustrating season with Mercedes, and hopefully not something that will continue at Ferrari.

READ MORE: Cullen ‘living’ with new star after Hamilton split

Related

MercedesLewis HamiltonFIAGeorge Russell2024Monaco Grand Prix

F2F2/F3 Power Rankings - A shock win and a Mini masterclass in MonacoMay 28, 2024 10:57 F1 FeaturesOcon’s F1 replacements ranked: Who will drive for Alpine in Canada?May 28, 2024 09:57

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (22)

Latest News

GPFans Recap Newey Ferrari signing completed as 'greedy' Horner BLASTED - GPFans F1 Recap Yesterday 23:57 F1 Off The Track F1 star achieves SURPRISE two-wheeled podium Yesterday 22:57 Latest F1 News Perez REPLACEMENT temptations revealed by Red Bull target Yesterday 20:57

More news

'); }

F1 Race Calendar 2024

    GP BAHRAIN29 Feb - 2 MarMax VerstappenGP SAUDI ARABIA7 - 9 MarMax VerstappenGP AUSTRALIA22 - 24 MarCarlos SainzGP JAPAN5 - 7 AprMax VerstappenGP CHINA19 - 21 AprMax VerstappenGP USA3 - 5 MayLando NorrisGP ITALY17 - 19 MayMax VerstappenGP MONACO24 - 26 MayCharles LeclercGP CANADA7 - 9 JunGP SPAIN21 - 23 JunGP AUSTRIA28 - 30 JunGP GREAT BRITAIN5 - 7 JulGP HUNGARY19 - 21 JulGP BELGIUM26 - 28 Jul

Complete kalender 2024

Related news

    F2F2/F3 Power Rankings - A shock win and a Mini masterclass in Monaco 28 may F1 FeaturesOcon’s F1 replacements ranked: Who will drive for Alpine in Canada? 28 may F1 FeaturesFive tragedies F1 must not forget as we remember Senna 24 may Future StarsF2/F3 Power Rankings - Incredible Imola sees South American history made 21 may

More news

'); }

F1 Standings

  • Driver
  • Constructors

Driver Standings 2024

    01 Max VERSTAPPENRed Bull Racing16902 Charles LECLERCFerrari13803 Lando NORRISMcLaren11304 Carlos SAINZFerrari10805 Sergio PÉREZRed Bull Racing107

Full drivers

Constructor Standings 2024

    01 Red Bull Racing Great Britain27602 Ferrari Italy25203 McLaren Great Britain18404 Mercedes Great Britain9605 Aston Martin Great Britain44

Full constructors

'); }

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (80)

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (81)

  • Drivers

  • Oliver Bearman
  • Charles Leclerc
  • Carlos Sainz
  • Lando Norris
  • Oscar Piastri
  • Pierre Gasly
  • Esteban Ocon
  • Sergio Pérez
  • Max Verstappen
  • Alexander Albon
  • Logan Sargeant
  • Lewis Hamilton
  • George Russell
  • Nico Hülkenberg
  • Kevin Magnussen
  • Fernando Alonso
  • Lance Stroll
  • Valtteri Bottas
  • Zhou Guanyu
  • Daniel Ricciardo
  • Yuki Tsunoda
  • Teams

  • Aston Martin
  • BWT Alpine
  • Ferrari
  • Haas F1 Team
  • McLaren
  • Mercedes
  • Red Bull Racing
  • Stake F1 Team
  • Visa Cash App RB
  • Williams

Races

  • Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
  • Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
  • Grand Prix of Australia 2024
  • MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
  • Grand Prix of China 2024
  • Miami Grand Prix 2024
  • Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
  • Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
  • AWS Grand Prix du Canada 2024
  • Gran Premio de España 2024
  • Grand Prix of Austria 2024
  • Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
  • Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
  • Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
  • Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
  • Grand Prix of Italy 2024
  • Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
  • Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
  • Grand Prix of the United States 2024
  • Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
  • Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
  • Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
  • Qatar Grand Prix 2024
  • Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (106)Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

Realtimes | Publishing Network

Copyright (©) 2017 - 2024 GPFans.com
Realtimes | Publishing Network

x

Hamilton’s qualifying NIGHTMARE: Why the Mercedes star is struggling against Russell (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6154

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.