Lewis Hamilton was left scratching his head about Ferrari’s drop in pace in the final qualifying session of the United States Grand Prix.

Ferrari looked like strong favourites to claim pole position in Austin when Lewis Hamilton topped practice timings.

It looked as though Ferrari’s new upgrades were working as intended in the early stages of qualifying, too, but a confusing collapse in Q3 means Lewis Hamilton will start the Grand Prix from P5.

Here's your starting grid for the United States Grand Prix 🏎️💨 Who are you backing for the win in Austin? 🤔

Lewis Hamilton is suspicious of Ferrari’s rivals

Hamilton sounded fairly pleased with his final lap in Q3, yet his message over the radio showed his surprise at the lap times of his rivals.

Over the radio, Hamilton said: “These guys must be turning it up for that last Q3, because where did the time go?”

In his post-qualifying interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton again insisted that his Ferrari felt good but those around him seemed to take “another step”.

“Firstly, we did a really good job overnight, the car felt really good and competitive, then in Q1 and Q2 it felt really strong and that we were in the fight,” Hamilton added.

“Then the car was just as good, we didn’t make any changes. We didn’t flip the car upside down for Q3. It was a really good lap, those guys just somehow took another step. I don’t know what it is.

“Ultimately, we do lose a few tenths in the straight like usual. The power deficit to the Red Bull and the Mercedes is still significant. Our car is as good as theirs through the corners, but we lose it down the straights.”

Hamilton and Leclerc can still take the positives from Ferrari’s upgrade package in Austin, though, and race victory is not off the cards given their promising race simulations during practice.

Not only has Hamilton won five times at the Circuit of the Americas, but he has also clinched two World Championship titles at this track.

The 41-year-old tends to perform well here, and there should still be confidence that Hamilton can produce a strong result for Ferrari on Sunday.