Lewis Hamilton reveals cause of surprise Ferrari Austria letdown

Lewis Hamilton has explained the reasons behind Ferrari's below-par Austrian Grand Prix result, explaining how he did "not agree" with any of the tyres throughout the race.

From third, initially ran second to eventual race winner George Russell but slipped back across the opening stint, and engaged in a fierce battle for second with old rival Max Verstappen. 

Verstappen eventually squeezed past, as Hamilton opted for a three-stop strategy in the sweltering conditions.

This strategy dropped him into the pack, from where he could not escape, and became stuck behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who took fourth, 4.5s ahead of Hamilton, who ended 26.3s behind Russell. 

Reflecting, Hamilton detailed the reasons why Ferrari's challenge evaporated, with team-mate Charles Leclerc taking eighth from second on the grid. 

"I didn't agree with any of the tyres today, it was a very hard race, it was very tough and extremely hot," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.

"My start wasn't very good, my getaway was poor, but when I was on the attack, I got past Charles, and I thought it wasn't looking too bad in the first few laps with George.

"I was kind of holding off, and then the rears just dropped off on every set of tyres for some reason, the balance was very open, very difficult.

"On Friday, we were six-tenths down in straight line speed, and I have to go and see what the cause was today, but it was not insignificant, but also, grip-wise, we just couldn't keep up with everyone. 

"So it was a tough one, but I am grateful for the points, the team did a great job with the strategy and the pit-stops, they worked so hard on the pit-stops, so I am really proud of them. 

"It was not the result we wanted, but we got the points at least."