Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has stated Lewis Hamilton's poor qualifying record is likely “weighing on his mind” ahead of his switch to Ferrari. Hamilton and team-mate George Russell each out-qualified one another 11 times during last year's campaign. However, the pendulum has swung in Russell's favour this year as he is leading Hamilton 16-5 in qualifying with three rounds remaining in the season. Hamilton sits as the most successful qualifier in F1 history with 104 pole positions - 36 more than second-placed Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion will face off against Charles Leclerc next year at Ferrari, who is regarded as one of the strongest drivers over one lap on the grid. “Is he [Lewis] as fast as Charles over one lap? I don’t think so – but I don’t think anyone is,” Chandhok told The Independent . “I think Charles is the best qualifier in F1. Is Lewis still capable of winning the world championship in the right car? Absolutely. I think there is still enough evidence to suggest he is quick enough.” Chandhok suggested the fresh motivation of performing for a new squad switching teams could offer Hamilton a boost. “I think Lewis is concerned about it [his qualifying record], he’s sounded pretty despondent in recent times, saying ‘my qualifying is terrible, I’ve forgotten how to qualify',” he said. “It sounds weird for a guy who is statistically the most successful qualifier in the history of the sport. “I do think it’s weighing on his mind. It’s one of these things, maybe he needs a new challenge. “He’s had three years of not having the opportunity to fight for pole. When he can fight for pole, drivers like him can find another gear.”
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