George Russell complains about Hamilton at Japan GP in pointed radio message

Ahead of a disappointing qualifying session that saw Hamilton take to the grid in seventh, one place ahead of his fellow Mercedes star, the 38-year-old admitted that there was no chance of him winning in Japan – before Max Verstappen coasted into a strong lead on Sunday. Both Hamilton and Russell criticised the car in qualifying, as the senior driver said: “Our car has loads of load on the front and not as much as we need on the rear. So we’re a really long way down on that and for me it’s 100 per cent clear that’s concept and we have got to make sure we change that for next year, which hopefully we will. I gave it everything I could, I was happy with my laps, they were just not that quick compared to others.” Russell later echoed his sentiments. “It’s a fair representation of how we are on circuits like this,” Russell said after qualifying in eighth. “When there’s a big contrast of corners – high-speed and low-speed corners, we struggle to cover all aspects.” We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news visit:  express.co.uk/sport/football . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express &  Express.co.uk  Twitter account – providing real news in real time. We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and  Express.co.uk .