Lewis Hamilton has endorsed Formula 1‘s trial qualifying format despite a disappointing grid spot for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver will start in eighth place for the 53-lap race around the Monza circuit, while teammate George Russell starts from fourth.
Despite reporting that he was struggling to find grip at one stage, Hamilton has given a positive review of F1‘s trail qualifying format, which aims to reduce the amount of rubber Pirelli and the teams are consuming.
“Yeah, it’s [the new format] definitely difficult,” Hamilton said to the media including Total-Motorsport.com. “This qualifying session is definitely harder than normal.”
Hamilton continued: “I prefer it I think. It was obviously good in Budapest, the last time we had it and I think it puts everyone on a more level playing field.”
Hamilton reveals Mercedes deficit
Hamilton said that Mercedes lost time in Sector 3, which starts just before the Ascari chicane and concludes at the finish-line.
The sector features two straights and four high speed corners, two key weaknesses of the W14 package.
As a result, neither Mercedes managed to break into the top three and the seven-time world champion was half a second down on Carlos Sainz, who took pole.
I lost it all in, I think the second or the last sector,” Hamilton continued. “So I was up in the first a bit of the second but I was just struggling with the car.”
Last year, Hamilton started 19th following a penalty for new power unit components but went on to record an impressive fifth place with a charge through the field.
He will look to repeat the comeback drive again on Sunday but starts significantly higher, giving him good opportunities should any bad luck befall other competitors.
