Hamilton: Qualifying laps have been 'decent' despite lack of poles

Lewis Hamilton insists that his qualifying performances in 2019 have been "decent" despite the lack of pole positions he has achieved this year compared to other seasons in the turbo-hybrid era.

Ahead of the US Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton has four pole positions in 2019 to his name, with the last one coming in Germany, before the summer break.

In 2014, Hamilton secured seven pole positions before picking up at least 11 in the following four seasons. 

MOREHow Hamilton can secure his sixth title this weekend

Since the return after the summer break, Ferrari has taken pole position at each event - but Hamilton has still been left satisfied with his performances.

"Having those high moments last year with those qualifying laps definitely made it very special," he said. "But this year, I'm not unhappy with my qualifying.

"I think I've had decent laps, they're not like Singapore last year and more often than not, it's not been good enough for pole. 

"But it still has been relatively solid. We've been on the first two rows pretty consistently throughout the year so it's still been pretty decent."

'Race pace has improved from 2018'

Hamilton has 10 race wins to his name so far this year, and is one victory away from matching his season-best, which he achieved in 2014 and 2018.

The 34-year-old highlighted that the race is where Mercedes has prevailed compared to its rivals this campaign, as it worked on doing so following the end of the 2018 season. 

"I would say more Sunday is where I'm most proud of, it's stronger than last year," Hamilton admitted. "That's good to see, the goal has always been to keep the consistency from last year and build up other areas.

"The race was one of those [areas[, and we've been stronger all year in the races. There are areas we can still improve for next year. How we go about doing that, I don't know. But I know I've got the best people around me to help me do that."

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,533
  • Podiums 132
  • Grand Prix 232
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (41)
  • Place of b. Tewin, United Kingdom
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar