Hamilton Expresses Disappointment After Dismal Las Vegas Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton will start Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix from last place, describing his qualifying session as "horrible." Despite showing promising pace in final practice, the seven-time world champion faced a challenging Q1 that left him resigned to a difficult race.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's last-place start in Las Vegas underscores a challenging season for the Mercedes driver. For a champion accustomed to fighting for pole positions and wins, starting from the back is a stark reminder of the team's struggles and the uphill battle he faces to salvage points, especially in a high-profile, inaugural event like the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The details:

• Promising Practice, Frustrating Qualifying: Hamilton felt like "one of the fastest on the track" in FP3, giving him confidence. However, Q1 saw him struggle with grip and timing, ultimately failing to set a competitive lap.
• Yellow Flags and Red Lights: Hamilton reported encountering yellow flags in the last corner and Turn 17 during his final Q1 attempt, forcing him to lift. By the time he crossed the line, it was a red flag, nullifying any potential improvement. He also stated, "I didn't have the grip anyway, so I don't think it would have made much difference."
• No Team Error: Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton dismissed any miscommunication from his team, stating, "As I came across the line it was red, so there was no miscommunication to myself."
• "Hardest Year": Hamilton candidly described 2023 as "definitely the hardest year," a sentiment reflecting the ongoing difficulties Mercedes has faced in challenging Red Bull.

The big picture:

This qualifying result is emblematic of Mercedes' broader struggles throughout the 2023 season. While Hamilton has shown flashes of brilliance, the W14 chassis has consistently lacked the pace and consistency to challenge for regular wins. The team is now focused on understanding its current car's limitations while developing a more competitive package for the future, aiming to return to championship contention.

What's next:

Starting from 20th, Hamilton faces a monumental task in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. His focus will be on damage limitation and trying to make up as many positions as possible. While scoring significant points will be challenging, his resilience and experience will be key in navigating what promises to be a chaotic race on the Strip.