Lewis Hamilton “really happy” with his “damn good job” in Miami GP qualifying

Lewis Hamilton has reacted to media criticism of his driving by insisting he had done a “damn good job” in Miami Grand Prix qualifying.

Trailing his Mercedes team-mate George Russell by 21 points after the first four races of the season as the duo struggle with a W13 car not where they want it to be, Hamilton has a great chance to cut that deficit as Miami debuts on the F1 race calendar.

Whereas Russell failed to reach Q3 and will line up 12th on the grid, the seven-time former World Champion is sixth – alongside his previous Mercedes colleague Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton, speaking to reporters after the session, revealed he had been criticised by one member of the media – and naturally defended his own performance.

Thanks for all the support, Miami. See you tomorrow pic.twitter.com/kR7XZFiCD0

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 7, 2022

“I’m generally really happy with the job I did today,” said the 37-year-old Briton. “I did the best I could with the car I have – it’s a very hard car to drive.

“One of the French media guys was saying I’m not performing so well. I did a damn good job today and I’m happy with it.”

Speaking to Formula1.com, Hamilton, who did not reach the top-10 shootout in either Saudi Arabia or Imola this season, said he was satisfied with his Q3 appearance – a remarkable admission considering how dominant Mercedes have been in the last few years.

“Qualifying wasn’t too bad. I’m grateful to have got into Q3,” said Hamilton. “That’s a good feeling.

“I gave it my all at the end. It was quite difficult with the single laps getting the most out of this car – it’s hard work, this car. But I’m grateful to be in amongst the group ahead.”

Hamilton was under pressure to get out of Q1 as the clock ticked down towards chequered-flag time with him in the bottom five, but he pulled out a strong lap just when required to progress easily in the end.

Asked how he had been feeling at that point, he…