Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed why Lewis Hamilton has struggled so much since the current regulations were introduced.
Since the ground effects era was introduced in 2022, Hamilton has rarely been able to perform strongly on a consistent basis.
The seven-time world champion failed to claim a race win in 2022 and 2023, before returning to winning ways twice this year in his home race and in the Belgian Grand Prix.
Across the past three campaigns, George Russell has tended to have an advantage over the 39-year-old, which has been evident in recent rounds.
Hamilton has had no answer for Russell's pace so far in the final triple-header of the year, having watched his compatriot win in Las Vegas.
Building on from Sin City, Russell will start the Qatar Grand Prix from pole position, whilst Hamilton had to settle for sixth in qualifying.
According to Wolff, the current era of F1 car does not suit Hamilton's driving style, which has triggered his difficult spell.
"For Lewis this generation of cars aren't always suiting his driving style, he likes to be aggressive on corner entries and unfortunately this car at the moment can't quite take it, especially on qualifying laps when it's right on the edge," said Wolff.
"Lewis in the race, however, usually manages to turn it around like last week where he was overtaking car after car and coming through the pack.
"We'll see what tomorrow brings and hopefully we can deliver another good result with both cars for the team."
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