Lewis Hamilton Crashes in Abu Dhabi FP3, Raising Concerns Ahead of Qualifying
Lewis Hamilton crashed out of Abu Dhabi's final practice session after losing control at Turn 9, attributing it to a buckling front and snapping rear. The incident, caused by dirty air, kerb contact, and likely existing balance issues, raises concerns for Mercedes ahead of qualifying and highlights Hamilton's ongoing frustration with current F1 cars. His team now faces a rapid repair job to prepare for a crucial qualifying session.
Lewis Hamilton's third practice session in Abu Dhabi ended abruptly with a bizarre crash at Turn 9, forcing a red flag and raising questions about the Mercedes' W14's handling and the impact on qualifying.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's unexpected crash comes at a critical juncture, with the season finale in Abu Dhabi setting the stage for 2024. A disrupted FP3 session limits crucial setup time, potentially compromising his qualifying performance and adding pressure as Mercedes battles for second in the Constructors' Championship against Ferrari. This incident also highlights the persistent challenges many drivers, including Hamilton, face with the current generation of ground-effect cars.
The Details:
- The Incident: Hamilton lost control at Turn 9, spinning into the barriers after his car bottomed out and the rear lost traction. He reported, "Something buckled at the front and snapped the rear" over team radio.
- Contributing Factors: Replays and analysis from Sky Sports' Anthony Davidson suggest a combination of factors led to the crash:
- Dirty Air: Hamilton was running in the turbulent air of a car ahead, reducing aerodynamic grip.
- Kerb Contact: He dipped onto the kerb, which momentarily lowered the car's ride height significantly.
- Balance Issues: Davidson noted that the car's balance was "not being great as well," exacerbating the effects of the other factors.
- Immediate Aftermath: Hamilton exited the car unassisted, retrieving pieces of his broken front wing. The damage to the right front of the car will make post-session investigations more challenging for the Mercedes team.
- Performance Context: Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, his Ferrari counterpart, were both running in the top five at the time of the incident, suggesting he was pushing the limits.
Between the lines:
Hamilton has been vocal about his struggles with the current generation of ground-effect cars, stating, "There's not a single thing I'll miss about these cars. It is as simple as that. I have not enjoyed it." This crash serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins and unforgiving nature of these regulations, which many drivers hope will be addressed with the new rules coming in 2026.
What's next:
The Mercedes team faces a race against time to repair Hamilton's car and ensure it's in optimal condition for qualifying. The incident will undoubtedly impact their preparation, forcing a thorough review of the setup and potential adjustments. Hamilton will need to quickly regain confidence and extract maximum performance from the W14 if he is to secure a strong grid position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.