Lewis Hamilton’s challenging first season with Ferrari took another downturn during the sprint qualifying at the F1 Qatar Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion struggled to find pace and ultimately pulled out of SQ1, leaving him with a disappointing 18th place on the starting grid.
Hamilton experienced yet another poor qualifying session, telling his team over the radio that his Ferrari “couldn’t go any faster.” Meanwhile, his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure ninth place. This marks the second time Hamilton has exited in the first segment of qualifying.
At the previous Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Hamilton faced a humiliating moment as he qualified in last place for the first time in his 17-year Formula 1 career, finishing 20th on the grid. The 40-year-old Brit appeared frustrated and downcast in a brief post-session interview with Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brooks, giving only a few words.
When asked why his Ferrari was so difficult to handle, Hamilton responded honestly. He was also questioned about whether the adjustments he made to the car had improved its performance, to which he replied with a smile, “No, definitely not.” Joking about any positive outlook for the race, Hamilton quipped, “The weather is nice.”
Sky Sports F1 expert Bernie Collins reflected on Hamilton’s struggles, expressing disappointment at seeing the driver so disheartened. He questioned what could be causing the recurring issues with Ferrari, especially why the car performs well some weeks and fails in others, noting that the team was unhappy even during practice sessions.
Fan Take: This latest setback for Hamilton highlights the ongoing struggles Ferrari faces in developing a consistently competitive car, which is crucial given Hamilton’s status in the sport. For racing fans, it underscores the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the challenges even the greatest drivers can face, keeping the championship battle intriguing.
