Hamilton predicts dreadful qualifying for Spanish GP: 'We are fighting as hard as we can'

Lewis Hamilton fears he will start Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix outside of the top 10 following a disheartening day in practice for the British driver and his Mercedes team.

As Max Verstappen predictably set the pace for Red Bull with a practice triple at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, Hamilton finished only third, more than four-tenths of a second back.

Home favourite Fernando Alonso raised hope that he could challenge Verstappen and his all-conquering Red Bull team, but rain could have the final say.

Not much hope

Before stepping into his cockpit this weekend, Hamilton admitted that his team's much-anticipated upgrade, which debuted in Monaco a week ago, had not provided the magic fix he hoped for.

And on his new machine's second outing at a track where the Silver Arrows said they would obtain a greater understanding of their upgrades, the evidence suggests they are no closer to taking on the mighty Red Bull, or leapfrogging rivals Aston Martin and Ferrari.

Indeed, Mercedes might have fallen further down the pecking order, with Haas' Nico Hulkenberg, Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, and the Alfa Romeo of Valtteri Bottas all above the seven-time world champion in the order.

READ: Spanish GP talking points: Verstappen ready to spoil Alonso's homecoming

Asked about his prospects for qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton said: "From the pace that I had, it will be a struggle to get into the top 10. It is not going to be easy, that is for sure.

"We are fighting as hard as we can. It was a difficult day getting on top of the tyres. The car feels… like the car. Hopefully, we can make some changes.

"It is impressive to see the improvements that everyone has made around us - if you look at the Alpines, and you can also see the