Qatar Grand Prix: Qualifying Struggles for Leclerc and Hamilton
In a disappointing qualifying session for both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at the Qatar Grand Prix, the two drivers highlighted the ongoing struggles of their respective teams. Leclerc ended Q3 in 10th position, while Hamilton faced elimination in Q1, securing the 18th fastest time.
Leclerc’s Performance and Reflection
After a challenging weekend, Leclerc’s qualifying race ended with a high-speed spin, limiting his potential in Q3. He expressed frustration, stating, “Really difficult to drive, and it’s just frustrating. A good day tomorrow will be to keep the car on track and to try and score a few points.” He acknowledged the limitations of his Ferrari, indicating that the car’s performance left little room for optimism. “I honestly don’t think so,” he remarked about his chances for a competitive race.
Hamilton’s Ongoing Challenges
Hamilton, facing his third consecutive Q1 exit, reflected on the improvements made to his car, noting it felt better but still lacked overall speed. He commented, “The car was feeling better, just wasn’t quick… We’re obviously lacking downforce compared to the others.” Regarding race strategy, he mentioned the difficulty of overtaking observed during the Sprint, suggesting, “I can try something different on strategy maybe.”
Team Perspectives on Development
Hamilton touched on the psychological implications of focusing on future developments. Supporting Ferrari’s decision to halt aerodynamic developments for the current season, he noted, “It’s hard for them. They turn up and give their best, but I don’t think that’s just aero-related; it’s just what we’ve been facing this year.” He acknowledged the impact of public scrutiny on the team’s morale, stating that negativity in the media can affect not just the engineers but their families as well.
As the drivers prepare for tomorrow’s race, both face significant challenges, with limited expectations for improvement in performance.
