Lewis Hamilton set a modest target for qualifying, with Saudi Arabia’s grand prix “Let’s enter the top 10” and “Let’s enter the top 10” after the Ferrari struggle continued during practice in Jeddah.
Hamilton was just 13th in his second international session under the lights at the Jeddah Cornish Circuit on Friday.
Aside from pole and victory in China’s Grand Prix Sprint, Hamilton was clearly outperformed by Leclair during the opening round of his debut season with Ferrari following a blockbuster switch from Mercedes.
Looking back on his Friday, Hamilton said:
“It has nothing to do with the team. I was struggling to get the tires to work.”
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Lance Stroll made a massive spin at Aston Martin during P2, but Williams driver Alex Albon almost collided with Hamilton!
Hamilton asked if he hopes to make a difference overnight and improve his form.
“There were a few bits in the session, and once we got to the softer tires, it wasn’t there.
“We make some changes overnight and hopefully come back strongly.”
However, when asked about the position he felt he could achieve in qualifying, Hamilton gave him a downcast response.
“I don’t know,” he said. “For me, I’m just trying to see if I can be in the top 10.”
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Ted Kravitz discusses how important it is for Hamilton to do his qualifying job and how Ferrari drivers can improve his performance during these sessions
Hamilton’s biggest hope of reaching the final part of Saturday’s qualifying, live at Sky Sports F1 at 6pm, and you can get closer to the setup Leclerc was running.
The seven-time world champion has repeatedly spoken about his disadvantage to Leclerc as a result of Monegasque’s excellent understanding of cars.
Hamilton was asked if he would gather for Leclerc’s setup.
“Through both sessions, we were trying to set up the wings and integrate all sorts of things across both cars.
“So, after analyzing tomorrow and tonight, I hope for a better understanding and tomorrow for a better day.”
Leclerc hopes for “more performance” in qualifying
Hamilton’s obvious disappointment is further emphasized by the optimism of his teammates, with Leclair saying he is “very clear” about Saturday’s plans.
“It was a tricky day,” Leclerc said. “Obviously, it’s a very challenging track where you need to be very confident in order to get your best performance.
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Highlights from Friday’s practice session at Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix
“We changed a lot of cars and we learned a lot from it, so it was a very positive day. Once we put everything in the right window, we should have a little more performance coming out of the car.
“McLaren seems very strong again and much stronger than us, but I’ll never say that. Putting it all together, everything is possible.
“We did a good job exploring the various options, and what I want to do is pretty clear in my head, so we’re going to go that direction.
Sky Sports F1 Saudi Arabia’s GP Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments held at the Jeddah Cornish Circuit
Saturday, April 19th
1.15pm: F1 Academy Race 12.05pm: Saudi Arabia’s GP Practice 3 (sessions start at 2pm) *4.10pm: F2 Sprint 5.10pm: Saudi Arabia’s GP Qualifier Build-up 6pm: Saudi Arabia’s GP Qualifier
Sunday, April 20th
1pm: F1 Academy Race 22.20pm: F2 Function Race 4.30pm: Saudi Arabia’s GP Build-Up: Grand Prix Sunday 6pm: Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix *8pm: Saudi Arabia’s GP Reaction: Checkered Flag
* Live at Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 will complete the live show at Sky Sports F1 with the first triple header of 2025 in Jeddah and at Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix this weekend. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime
