Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he is “not getting hung up” on the ongoing struggles he has experienced to unlock one-lap pace from Mercedes’ 2024 Formula 1 car.
Hamilton stands as the most decorated qualifier the series has seen with a record 104 pole positions to his name, 36 more than second-placed Michael Schumacher.
But the Briton has cut a despondent figure when it comes to discussing his low-fuel showings this term as he trails team-mate George Russell 7-1 in the head-to-head.
The seven-time F1 champion has shown promising flashes in several practice sessions, but that speed has eluded him when it has mattered most such as in Monaco.
Despite having featured inside the top three positions during all three practice hours in Monte Carlo, Hamilton was bemused as he slipped to seventh come qualifying.
However, Hamilton is optimistic that he will overcome his recent slump in that regard and pointed out that he still compensates with strong outings in race conditions.
“I wouldn’t say it’s not been a priority but the whole weekend’s been the priority is to improve everywhere,” Hamilton stated in Monaco concerning his qualifying form.
“But it’s, particularly since the end of last year and then all this year has been pretty bad on a Saturday. So, but it is what it is and I’m going to continue to work at it.
“So far I haven’t got it to a great place. But there’s plenty of races left to sort that out. And there’s plenty of time to iron out the creases in my performance and in the cars.
“So I’m not getting too hung up on it. My race performance is still pretty decent. So fortunately I can fall back on that for now.”
Nevertheless, Hamilton has reiterated that his motivation remains unaltered despite Mercedes being in a position where it is not competing for wins or even podiums.
Asked how challenging it was to retain focus across race weekends, Hamilton, who will move to Ferrari in 2025, replied: “I don’t find it that difficult, if I’m really honest.
“I think I think when you really enjoy something and when you really care, I think it’s you make a decision on whether it’s a priority, and it is a priority for me.
“It’s something that I love doing. I feel constantly challenged by it and by the people around me. And there’s never a dull day when you’re at a racetrack.
“Except for Thursdays when you go! No, I’m kidding. But kind of not. But yeah.
“But no, I’m enjoying the challenges both physically and mentally, but then obviously when it comes to teamwork and then every year it’s just different.
“It’s never what you expect. And I think that’s the great thing. You’re always trying to progress. You don’t always do it. But that’s not great.”
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