Lewis Hamilton believes he should have been on pole position for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix but ended qualifying in 10th place, Afrosport reports.
His Mercedes teammate George Russell took pole, the German manufacturer’s first since the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in June.
Russell topped the first part of qualifying in Vegas before Hamilton took charge of the second part. The seven-time world champion looked on course to do the same in the final part of qualifying but a mistake which saw his time deleted for track limits violation ultimately cost him.
“It didn’t work when it mattered. I tried but it didn’t come off,” Hamilton said after qualifying.
“I should have been on pole but… at least I’ve got pace, which is a good showing over the weekend. That’s the positive to take from it.
The Ferrari-bound driver does not also feel confident he can make much gains in Saturday night’s race stating: “…I think the race is kind of done and obviously the win is out of the question. Great job from George.
“I’m really quite far back so I will just see what I can do from there.
“Degradation is going to be key, had an eventful race here last year so.
“I should of been on pole but I’m not. It is what it is and you live to fight another day.”
The starting grid in Vegas 👀#F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/UHpYItFJOi
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 23, 2024
Russell will start the race ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly while reigning champion Max Verstappen will start fifth ahead of championship rival Lando Norris.
