Mercedes, Michael Schumacher: “I expected at least Q3 here in Suzuka”

Michael Schumacher believes it would have been possible for him to get into Q3 at Suzuka if he hadn't found Lewis Hamilton in front during his fastest lap.

The seven-time world champion, who will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the year, qualified in 13th place but will be sent to the back of the grid after being fined in Singapore for rear-ending his Toro Rosso. Jean-Eric Vergne.

Schumacher admitted he didn't expect a great result, given the nature of the circuit, but feels it was possible to do better.

“It was a shame that we couldn't do more today, after things hadn't been too bad this morning, but I just didn't get the performance,” Schumacher said.

“Although we must also say that, knowing the high-speed characteristics of this circuit, we did not expect to have great form here.”

“Maybe I could have got into Q3, because the data showed that I lost two tenths in Turn 11 due to traffic, but I wasn't entirely sure what Hamilton was doing in front of me.”

“I saved a lot of sets of tires and in that sense I made the most of the situation.”

“Now we have to wait and see what happens tomorrow. I will definitely aim for the best possible result, starting from the back of the grid.”

Teammate Nico Rosberg completed a difficult day for Mercedes by qualifying in 15th position, but the German hopes he can make up places in the race.

“It's been a difficult weekend for us so far,” he said. “Qualifying in 15th place is not where we wanted to be, although I will make up some positions due to grid sanctions.”

“The times were so close today, and it's disappointing that we couldn't get through to Q3. Our pace is better with the fuel load, so I hope this can work well in the race and gain positions.”