P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton explained that one of the most challenging years for his Mercedes engineers is behind his recent F1 qualifying struggles.
Lewis Hamilton, with 104 pole positions, holds the record for the greatest qualifier in F1 history. However, in 2024, he has been out-qualified significantly by his Mercedes teammate George Russell, with a rate of 13 to five. Prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished third in qualifying, Hamilton explained his struggles with car balance during corners, attributing it to shifting aerodynamic characteristics. Throughout the season, Hamilton has found himself perplexed by sudden changes in his car’s performance from practice to qualifying, leading him to question his own abilities. Despite these challenges, Hamilton experienced a turnaround in Singapore, going from being off the pace on Friday to out-qualifying Russell on Saturday after significant adjustments to his car.
