Lewis Hamilton was left searching for answers after Ferrari’s strong practice form evaporated in Q3 at the United States Grand Prix, openly questioning how Red Bull and Mercedes found a sudden step in performance when it mattered most. The seven-time world champion will start fifth in Austin after a session that followed a now-familiar pattern for the Scuderia: competitive through the early stages, then outpaced when the grid positions were decided.
Hamilton’s radio message and post-session comments made clear he believed the gap that appeared in the final runs required explanation.
### HAMILTON QUESTIONS THE SUDDEN STEP
Ferrari had topped the timesheets across practice, and both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc carried competitive pace into Q1 and Q2. Once the final segment began, the picture changed. Antonelli claimed pole for Mercedes, the two Red Bulls locked out second and third, and the Ferrari pair were left fourth and fifth.
Over team radio Hamilton expressed his surprise: “These guys must be turning it up for that last Q3, because where did the time go?”
In his interview with Sky Sports he expanded on the point. “Firstly, we did a really good job overnight, the car felt really good and competitive, then in Q1 and Q2 it felt really strong and that we were in the fight. Then the car was just as good, we didn’t make any changes. We didn’t flip the car upside down for Q3. It was a really good lap, those guys just somehow took another step. I don’t know what it is.
“Ultimately, we do lose a few tenths on the straight like usual. The power deficit to the Red Bull and the Mercedes is still significant. Our car is as good as theirs through the corners, but we lose it down the straights.”
### A RECURRING FERRARI FRUSTRATION
The Austin qualifying result fits a broader theme in Ferrari’s 2026 season. The SF-26 has frequently shown encouraging pace in practice and in the earlier parts of qualifying, only to lose ground when the session reaches its decisive phase. Tyre temperature sensitivity, power-unit deficit and the ability of rivals to extract a final improvement have all been cited at different times.
Hamilton’s suggestion that Mercedes and Red Bull were able to “turn it up” reflects the perception inside the Ferrari garage that the performance available to their rivals in Q3 exceeds what the Scuderia can access. Whether that difference stems from engine modes, tyre preparation, aerodynamic efficiency or simply execution remains a matter of interpretation.
### STILL A RACE TO BE WON
Despite the disappointment of qualifying, Hamilton’s record at the Circuit of the Americas offers reasons for continued belief. He has won five times at the venue and has rarely been far from the front when the car has been competitive. Ferrari’s race simulations in practice were described as promising, and the characteristics of the circuit — long straights combined with technical sectors — can still reward strong strategy and opportunistic racing.
Starting fifth places Hamilton behind both Red Bulls and team-mate Leclerc, but clear of the midfield battle. In a race that often features safety cars and varying tyre performance, the opportunity to recover positions remains real.
### THE WIDER PICTURE
Hamilton’s comments will add to the ongoing discussion about the power-unit hierarchy in 2026. Ferrari have acknowledged the deficit all season; hearing it framed as a decisive factor in a session they had expected to contest at the front reinforces the scale of the challenge still facing the team.
For now, the focus shifts to race day. Antonelli starts from pole in a position to take a major step toward the title. Verstappen and Hadjar form a potent Red Bull presence just behind. Ferrari must find a way to turn competitive race pace into actual results. Hamilton has done it at this circuit before. On Sunday he will need to do it again, this time from fifth on the grid and with questions about qualifying performance still lingering.
