Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated after describing yesterday's qualifying at the United States Grand Prix as 'really, really difficult'. Hamilton qualified for Sunday's race in fifth but will start third on the grid due to penalties for both Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
Things started well for the Englishman in qualifying, however as has often been the case in 2022 Hamilton lost his pace late on. Despite securing a third-place start ahead of Sunday's race, he was still left frustated.
Speaking post-qualifying, he said: "It was not the first sector for me, it was the last sector, but that was a really difficult Qualifying session.
"I had been feeling so optimistic all weekend, the car setup was feeling good, everyone back at the factory worked so hard to bring an upgrade and I was so hopeful we would be much closer than we were. Once we got to qualifying, I don't know if it is because the temperatures dropped or wind or what.
"But the car was such a handful all of a sudden and not unlike any other time we have driven it, but I was expecting a lot more." Frustrations aside sitting third means the Englishman has the chance to manoeuvre his way into contention on Sunday evening.
However, the seven-time world champion is conscious he will not be able to keep up to the pace of his rivals, especially Max Verstappen and Perez of Red Bull. He went on: "These guys are a lot quicker, particularly Red Bull on the straight.
"I think we might be able to keep up with them through the corners but on pure pace, no matter whatever upgrade we bring, the gap stays the same. That is definitely tough for everyone in the team who is pushing so hard, but we will be giving it all tomorrow."
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz will start Sunday's Grand Prix on pole, whilst newly crowned champion Max Verstappen will begin in second. Hamilton then follows in third, whilst his Mercedes teammate George Russell starts one spot back in fourth. Completing the top five is Aston Martin's Lance Stroll in fifth.
