Fans sympathized with Lewis Hamilton as his final qualifying session with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi ended in a Q3 exit with a P18 starting position. It likely happened because of a bollard that was in the middle of the track.

As Kevin Magnussen mounted the curb on a turn to let Hamilton by, he knocked over a bollard on the track which was then stuck under the Mercedes, ruining the aerodynamics.

Hamilton was then knocked out of the session with a P18 finish as his qualifying came to an early end.

This is the Briton’s final race with Mercedes as he is set to join Ferrari in the 2025 season. Hamilton has been driving for the team since 2013, has won six World Championships, and assisted the team in winning eight constructors’ championships.

The preparations for his final race with the Brackley-based outfit did not go as planned after his elimination from Qualifying. Fans sympathized with Hamilton on his Qualifying, with one fan expressing their concerns with Mercedes.

“I feel like I’m so done with this team and this car. Waiting for 2025!”
“How wild… just his luck,” wrote another fan.
No luck. Like what are the chances?????” A user mentioned.
Some comments also mentioned that the Mercedes wasn’t fast enough to make it into Q2 (although Russell qualified in P7). Fans are hoping for Hamilton to make a comeback during the race tomorrow.

“Hope he can make up places tomorrow,” a comment read.
“That was bad, man”: Lewis Hamilton reacts to his Qualifying
Mercedes’s form has been a rollercoaster over the past two seasons. Although the team seemingly improved this season with multiple victories, the car has been losing pace once again heading into Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Hamilton would have expected a better sendoff from the team, but the P18 Qualifying position comes as a major setback. After crossing the line, he got on his team radio, seemingly frustrated, and said:

“I messed that lap up big time guys.”
“That was bad, man. Jesus,” he later added.
Reacting to his second message, team principal Toto Wolff replied:

“Yes, it was.”
Lewis Hamilton claimed his record-extending 104th victory with Mercedes this season at Silverstone. He went on to win another race after George Russell was disqualified in Belgium. He currently has 105 wins, but it will be very difficult for him to extend that record further in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

Was this article helpful?
Edited by Tushar Bahl