Ferrari’s Zandvoort mystery: Lewis Hamilton investigates sudden pace loss at Dutch GP

Lewis Hamilton has been left searching for answers after a sharp change in Ferrari 's performance compromised his Dutch Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying session at Zandvoort.

The seven-time world champion, who came into the weekend in a positive mood , ended Friday's session seventh fastest, despite feeling far more comfortable with his car during the opening practice session earlier in the day. Hamilton's frustration was compounded by the contrasting performance of Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, who finished third and came within a whisker of securing pole position.

Hamilton had appeared to be in a competitive position following practice, but said subtle set-up adjustments left his Ferrari feeling dramatically different by the time Sprint Qualifying began.

"It was not a good session," Hamilton said after qualifying. "Practice felt good. We made subtle adjustments to the car, but when we got into qualifying, it was a completely different car."