F1 News:Hamilton offers cryptic clue as to why Russell is DOMINATING F1 qualifying battle

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Melbourne, 2023 — Photo: © IMAGO

Monaco Grand Prix

Hamilton offers cryptic clue as to why Russell is DOMINATING F1 qualifying battle

Lewis Hamilton has given a cryptic response when asked about his qualifying deficit to team-mate George Russell

By Sheona Mountford.

Wednesday 29 May 2024 01:00

Lewis Hamilton has hinted that favouritism is the reason for a qualifying deficit to his team-mate George Russell.

Russell has beaten Hamilton in nearly every single qualifying session in 2024, with their current head-to-head at 7-1.

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After an impressive performance in free practice, Hamilton looked likely to beat his team-mate this time out in Monaco.

However, Russell secured a better time, and will start the grand prix in fifth with Hamilton behind in P7.

Lewis Hamilton has struggled in 2024 as the Mercedes has fallen behind rivals

George Russell is winning in the Mercedes qualifying head-to-head

Why is Hamilton struggling in qualifying?

Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season to join rival team Ferrari, who claimed pole position with Charles Leclerc in Monaco.

After qualifying in Monaco, Hamilton cryptically hinted that favouritism at Mercedes may also be impacting his performance this season.

“Yesterday was really strong, as soon as we started qualifying, it’s like, 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.

“I’ve been driving the same through yesterday and today and the car was performing pretty well, 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.