New Evidence Emerges After Lewis Hamilton's Las Vegas GP Qualifying Confusion

Lewis Hamilton's Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session ended in confusion, leaving him to start the race from the back of the grid. He believed red lights signaled the end of Q1 as he crossed the line, preventing a final push lap. However, Sky F1's Anthony Davidson presented analysis suggesting the green light was still active, leading to theories of a potential misinterpretation of timing lines by Hamilton.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's Q1 elimination from the Las Vegas GP significantly impacts Mercedes' fight for second in the Constructors' Championship against Ferrari and Red Bull. Starting from last on the grid complicates his ability to score crucial points, making it an uphill battle for the team in a critical late-season race.

The Details:

• Hamilton stated he encountered yellow flags in the final corner (Turn 17) and saw red lights as he crossed the line, leading him to lift off and not attempt a final lap.
• His race engineer, Riccardo Adami, initially told him to keep pushing, but it was too late as Hamilton had already backed off.
• Sky F1's Anthony Davidson analyzed footage, determining that the green light was still on when Hamilton reached the 'chequered' timing line, which marks the start of a new lap.
• Davidson hypothesized that Hamilton might have confused the timing line with the subsequent start line, where the lights turned red immediately after he passed the timing line.
• Crucial Distinction: Davidson emphasized that the 'chequered line' is the official timing line. Footage of another driver, Isack Hadjar, confirmed that crossing this line registered sector times, indicating it was the valid point to begin a new lap.
• Hamilton's perception was that the lights were unequivocally red when he crossed the line, signaling the session's end.

The big picture:

This incident in Las Vegas highlights the high-pressure environment of F1 qualifying, where split-second decisions and precise interpretations of trackside signals are paramount. While Hamilton insisted he saw red, Davidson's analysis suggests a very tight window where a crucial final lap could have been attempted. This not only cost Hamilton a chance at a better grid position but could also impact Mercedes' strategic battle against Ferrari, who are only 36 points behind in the Constructors' Championship.

What's next:

Hamilton will start the Las Vegas GP from 20th position. His performance from the back will be crucial for Mercedes' championship aspirations. The team will be looking to their other driver, and potentially a strong strategy, to salvage points. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc starts from P9, giving the Scuderia an advantage in their bid to close the gap in the Constructors' standings. The focus will be on Hamilton's ability to navigate the field and climb positions in a circuit known for its unique challenges.