Lewis Hamilton is famed for his qualifying prowess but George Russell has firmly had the upper hand in the intra-team battle so far this year, going faster than his team-mate eight times out of nine
James Allison has offered a reason why Lewis Hamilton is struggling to out-qualify team-mate George Russell as the Mercedes chief admitted his surprise at the current situation.
It's an especially surprising statistic for someone whose qualifying prowess is legendary. Hamilton is responsible for some of the greatest single-lap efforts in F1's modern history, perhaps most notable being his pole lap at the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix. Asked about the situation on the Beyond The Grid podcast, he said: "I wouldn't have predicted 8-1 and I think that for a chunk of the year, the car has been a pretty troubled beast. It's become a much, much better car in the last two or three races.
"I think, to a degree, I was speculating this in an email I sent to the factory yesterday that the current car-tyre combo, not just us, across the pit lane, it doesn't like being hustled - you almost get the best lap times when you’re not trying.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lewis Hamilton 'stale' at Mercedes with George Russell now 'the better driver'Lewis Hamilton's struggles in 2024 continued in Canada as he was out qualified by George Russell with the world champion not enjoying the ideal end to his time with Mercedes
Read more »
George Russell confirms Jenson Button suspicion after what Lewis Hamilton didLewis Hamilton seemed to complain at the Monaco Grand Prix about not being given an upgraded front wing by his Mercedes team while George Russell got the new part
Read more »
Mercedes ready to sign Lewis Hamilton replacement who showed up George RussellToto Wolff said Mercedes would not rush into a decision over who will take Lewis Hamilton's seat, but seem to be close to finalising who will join George Russell next year
Read more »
Hamilton and Russell scrap for podium as Verstappen wins Canadian GPGeorge Russell beat Max Verstappen to pole as they set the exact same time in qualifying, but holding off the Red Bull was a whole different challenge for Mercedes
Read more »
Lewis Hamilton failing to prove Lando Norris right after Brit's awkward 'lie'Lando Norris is outperforming fellow British F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russell despite still believing that the seven-time world champion is the better driver
Read more »
Canadian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen denies Lando Norris and George Russell in thrilling raceOracle Red Bull Racing driver overcomes weather and capitalises on well-timed safety car to thwart rivals
Read more »