Lewis Hamilton says he is "at a bit of a loss" with this year's Mercedes car.
The seven-time champion qualified eighth fastest at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, four places and 0.366 seconds behind team-mate George Russell.
Hamilton said: "George did a great job and is right up there on the second row. The car obviously has performance.
"I just don't feel connected to this car. No matter what I do, no matter what I change, I can't get confidence in it. I'm at a bit of a loss."
The seven-time champion qualified eighth fastest at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, four places and 0.366 seconds behind team-mate George Russell.
Hamilton said: "George did a great job and is right up there on the second row. The car obviously has performance.
"I just don't feel connected to this car. No matter what I do, no matter what I change, I can't get confidence in it. I'm at a bit of a loss."