Lewis Hamilton (7th): “I expected more” / Formula 1

For Lewis Hamilton, qualifying at Suzuka did not end as the seven-time champion had hoped. Because while he managed the third fastest lap in Q2, he had to settle for seventh place at the end. However, he was in fine form when he appeared in front of the press to assess the weekend.

“I’m really not happy with the seventh place because there were a few moments when I was more ahead. I really expected more and I wanted to get a little closer. But it wasn’t meant to be,” the Mercedes driver admitted in front of the camera. In the same breath, he also assured : “But I’m happy with how the weekend has gone and the progress we’ve been able to make with the setup.

“I’m happier with the car now, we’ve managed to improve it,” said the 103-times GP winner happily, and he counted: “Last year our deficit was more than a second, now it’s seven. ten. So that’s been better, but we still have to get more performance.”

Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton said: “I hope we can fight some of the opposition because it looks very close – just look at qualifying. The first seven or eight are separated by more than five tenths. So we are all close to each other. I hope that we can show better performance in the race and make some gap to the leaders. I’m looking forward to the GP because seventh might not be the best, but we can build on it.”

Qualification, Japan

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:28,197 minutes
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, 1:28.263
03. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, 1:28.489
04. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 1:28.682
05. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, 1:28.686
06. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, 1:28.760
07. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, 1:28,766
08. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, 1:28,786
09. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, 1:29,008
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, 1:29,413
11. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, 1:39.472
12. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, 1:29.494
13. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, 1:29.593
14. Alex Albon (T), Williams, 1:29,714
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, 1:29,816
16. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, 1:30,024
17. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, 1:30,119
18. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, 1:30.131
19. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, 1:30,139
20. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, 1:30,143