Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has admitted he “wasn’t quick enough” in Russian Grand Prix qualifying, after struggling in the final sector.
The three-time F1 champion will start the race at the Sochi Autodrom from fourth place, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen giving Ferrari its first front row lockout since France 2008.
Mercedes set quick times through the first two segments of qualifying, but Hamilton suffered a scruffy Q3 and feels he is losing half a second in the final part of the lap.
“I just wasn't quick enough today,” he said. “It was all in the last sector, I was losing half a second there.
“I've been struggling there all weekend with the balance and it's been tough to utilise the tyres. We'll go back to the drawing board tonight and try and improve."
Hamilton is also wary that Mercedes faces a "tough" challenge to overhaul rivals Ferrari in race trim.
“Ferrari did a great job," he said. "They look quick on race pace and my race runs weren't great yesterday, so it's going to be tough.
“But we'll give everything we've got. Sochi isn't the easiest track to follow on, but there are long straights which should offer the opportunity to move forward.
“That's our goal. I'm on the dirty side of the grid so I haven't done myself any favours off the start. But that was the best job I could do today.
“We've got a real race to look forward to. There's no point being upset; we'll channel our positive energy and hopefully Sunday will be better.”
