Hamilton resigns to P5: "My fight is with the guys behind me"

Lewis Hamilton predicted it himself, but nobody wanted to believe him: Mercedes did not play bluff poker, the team really has a problem. More than a fifth place was not in it for Hamilton, who himself is moderately satisfied with that.

Relieved is not the right word, but given the form, Mercedes has been in recent weeks, Hamilton is happy with the fifth starting position. "I'm genuinely really happy with today." he begins in conversation with Sky Sports.

He continues: "Given where we've been the last two weeks, it's been a nightmare to drive but we've kept our heads down." The Mercedes driver is proud of his team, which he says has remained positive despite the setbacks.

Ferrari and Red Bull Racing are really outclassed at the moment according to Hamilton. "Those guys ahead of us are in another league." he echoed the words of his team boss. We're not in the fight with those. They were a second ahead in race pace, but my battle is with the guys behind," Hamilton concluded resignedly.