I NEED TO RUSSELL UP REVIVAL

Lewis Hamilton admits he’s “struggling” with his Mercedes, declaring he shouldn’t be in his team-mate’s rear-view mirror.

Charles Leclerc bounced back from a spin to see off Max Verstappen and claim pole for today Spanish Grand Prix.

Hamilton will start in sixth after younger Mercedes man George Russell, who’s beaten him in four of the five grands prix staged, finished in fourth.

The Silver Arrows have brought a number of upgrades to Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, including a revised floor and new front wing.

Early signs are encouraging in the wake of Hamilton – who is 23 points behind his teammate – writing off his chances of an eighth title this season.

On whether Mercedes’ improvements gave him hope he could yet find himself in the championship mix, he said: “I am not really putting my mind to that because I’m still way off.

“My team-mate is fourth so that means I should be at least third or fourth – and I am sixth.

“I am still struggling with the car and qualifying wasn’t great for me. I don’t know how to get around that. I don’t know what I am going to do but I will just continue to work hard and try to figure it out.”

Hamilton has often reigned in Spain, taking four of the last five poles plus six overall wins – a record he shares with Michael Schumacher.

But Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle said: “This car just doesn’t talk to Lewis in the way he likes a car to talk to him.”

Leclerc (right) lost control of his Ferrari through the chicane on his first attempt in Q3 but kept his cool. He said: “I only had one lap after I made a mistake but delivered. It makes me very happy. I am in a strong position to start. If we don’t manage the tyres well, we’ll lose the win as Max is right behind.” Verstappen said: “I couldn’t do my final run as I just lost power.”