Hamilton in Mercedes demand after Sprint Shootout mistake

Lewis Hamilton has called for Mercedes to provide an 'easier car to drive' after an error cost him in São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint Shootout.

The seven-time World Champion will start fifth for the Sprint at Interlagos, behind teammate George Russell, after making a small error on the final sector.

His result means his starting positions for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix are identical and Hamilton conceded: "This is our normal, average scoring position, we are always pushing for more

"My last lap wasn't that spectacular, I think I could have been one or two places further forward, but I gave it my best.

"Maximising the time on each of the tyres is always a challenge, getting the temperatures right etcetera.

"I think I did, just had a bit of a snap at the last corner and lost a tenth and a half. The car needs to be easier to drive."

'Eyes forward on Norris'

Russell rebounded from finishing behind Hamilton in qualifying on Friday to get the better in the Shootout, but suggested there was little progress made by the team.

"We would like to say we made some gains but the truth is that conditions play a huge role," said Russell.

"Sometimes it goes into your window and sometimes it goes away and it worked in SQ3.

"That was good and clean, P4 is kind of where we expected to be, yesterday was a bit of a shame for Lewis and I being five and six, and then obviously I had the penalty [for Sunday's Grand Prix].

"So excited for this afternoon, I trust our race pace is better than our quali pace.

"I am sure Max is going to be the quickest, the Ferrari's are behind us which is good news, so eyes forward on Lando."