‘I don’t have an answer’ – Hamilton reflects on his ‘not fast anymore’ comments as issues continue in Qatar Sprint

Lewis Hamilton was left downbeat once more after the Qatar Sprint, as he was asked to expand on his post-Sprint qualifying declaration that he was "not fast anymore."

After making up two positions on a superb opening lap, the Mercedes driver momentarily looked as though he was preparing to challenge Carlos Sainz for fourth position as he stuck within DRS range for a handful of laps.

READ MORE: Russell laments ‘pretty infuriating’ battle with Piastri in Qatar Sprint after struggling to maximise ‘true pace’

However, he came under immense pressure from the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc – a close-fought battle between the two followed, with the Monegasque emerging ahead to leave Hamilton with just three points.

With his team mate George Russell continuously challenging at the top end of the grid, the former world champion was left mystified by his performance struggles in what was expected to be a strong car around the Lusail International Circuit.

“I have no clue,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 after being asked about his Friday comments. “I don’t have an answer for you. It’s not been great. At this point, I really don’t care – I just want to get through these last couple of races and do my job, turn up and I’m looking forward to the winter break.

READ MORE: ‘I had one opportunity and I went for it’ – Leclerc dissects his fight with Hamilton in Qatar Sprint

“I woke up this morning and I think the most important thing is to leave with gratitude, so I’m really grateful that I get to do what I love doing even when there are days that I don’t love it as much.

“I’m really, really so lucky to be here amongst all these other amazing athletes. It’s painful when it doesn’t go well. No one likes losing but that’s a part of the journey.”

His fight with Leclerc offered a glimpse into what could unfold when the two join forces at Ferrari next season, but Hamilton later explained that his Sprint was largely overshadowed by a range of issues.

READ MORE: Piastri takes victory in Qatar Sprint as Norris reverses positions on last corner in McLaren one-two

Just one week on from his remarkable comeback drive in Las Vegas, he said: “The start was good, and then I just struggled with balance and struggled with bouncing, the instability of the car.

"Charles – I didn’t know which Ferrari it was – either way, he was catching me and I couldn’t really hold him back.

“We had a cool, close wheel-to-wheel battle in a couple of corners but then I couldn’t hold him back.”