Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari remain a “long way off” frontrunners Mercedes after a disappointing qualifying performance from the seven-time F1 world champion.
Hamilton, who secured his first Scuderia podium at the last round in China, will start sixth on the grid at Suzuka on Sunday, behind teammate Charles Leclerc in fourth and both Mercedes and McLaren drivers.
While reigning world champions McLaren seem to have made progress this weekend, Ferrari remain short of pace compared to the Mercedes-powered teams, though will be hoping for another strong start off the line on Sunday.
“I don’t know if we can turn it into a podium,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “McLaren have taken a step forward and they have the Mercedes engine which is naturally a long way ahead of us.
“Even if you bring a three-tenths upgrade, it’s still a long way off. To close that gap is going to take a mighty push.”
Nonetheless, Hamilton remained satisfied with his day’s work and will start alongside Lando Norris on the third row of the grid.
“I’m feeling pretty decent,” he added. “We’re just not very quick compared to Mercedes and McLaren.
“My first lap I was up, lost two-tenths on the straight, had a snap, changed the deployment. If we didn’t have that, I probably would have had fourth.
“It’s just the way this deployment situation is.”
Hamilton is a five-time winner of the Japanese Grand Prix but is yet to clinch a grand prix victory in Ferrari red.
Hamilton’s last grand prix triumph came in Spa-Francorchamps in the summer of 2024, while Ferrari’s last win was via Carlos Sainz in Mexico in October 2024.
Kimi Antonelli starts on pole on Sunday alongside Mercedes teammate George Russell, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in third.
