Hamilton expected distance from Red Bull: 'After all, it is the Red Bull'

Lewis Hamilton seemed quite apathetic after qualifying at the Suzuka circuit. After the British driver crossed the line, he had a resigned reaction to his engineer's message.

Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in seventh place during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. The distance to the man on pole, Max Verstappen, was therefore very much. More than half a second separated the Dutchman and the seven-time world champion.

This was also to the dissatisfaction of the British driver after his first run in Q3. His engineer said over the radio: "Okay, Lewis. That's half a second to Verstappen,". To which Hamilton responded, "Where is that half a second, man? "

Hamilton on his comment

After qualifying, Hamilton returned to his comment, mainly why he said it: "It was because the lap felt really good and I was hopeful, I thought the lap was really really good, but to be expected, it's the Red Bull."

Lewis Hamilton will start the race at Suzuka from seventh place. One can imagine him wanting to get points again after failing to do so in Australia. The team is having a tough start to the season, but expects to come out better on circuits with low-speed corners, George Russell said.