Despite Lewis Hamilton's lead in driver points and team Mercedes topping constructor standings at F1's summer break, Hamilton says the team needs to focus on improving its qualifying.

"The current work and focus is making sure we improve in qualifying. We've had five poles out of 12 races, which is good but could be better," Hamilton said. 

"That's where we need to hit it with these guys because I think in the race we can generally hold our own."

Hamilton pointed to the gains Ferrari has made in recent races, capturing four of the last seven poles, and believes Sebastian Vettel might have won last week in Hungary had the track not been wet.

Mercedes has won six poles to Ferrari's five, with Valtteri Bottas claiming one in Australia and Hamilton winning the rest. When Hamilton has secured pole, he's been dominant, winning three times and finishing second twice. 

Hamilton has won the last two races heading into the summer break and sits 24 points ahead of Vettel.

"I'm really proud of all the team for keeping up the pace even though these guys turned up the heat the last few races," Hamilton said. 

"To come away with two wins is a testament to the strength in [the] depth of our team."

The grid will be back in action on Aug. 26 from Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.