Lewis Hamilton looked like he had a strong shot at pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday. But a couple of mistakes in Q3 left him down in 10th on the grid.
Hamilton had set the pace in both of Friday’s practice sessions, though Mercedes were cautious because they’ve often struggled to maintain their pace throughout the weekend. But it was clear from the beginning of qualifying that they were pole favourites.
George Russell led the way in Q1 and then his teammate was fastest in the second part of qualifying. There was a lengthy delay before the top-10 shoot-out following a heavy crash for Franco Colapinto, and perhaps that knocked Hamilton out of rhythm.
It was all on the final lap for the seven-time world champion after he locked up and took to the run-off just before the Las Vegas Strip on his first run. However, his hopes were quickly dashed as he lost the rear of his car through the long, sweeping turn three.
He once again slid off the track, which meant his lap time was deleted anyway. His first effort had been more than 15 seconds off the pace by the time he got his car spun round.
Russell went on to claim pole position ahead of Carlos Sainz. He could take Mercedes’ first victory since Belgium in Saturday’s race, while Hamilton will need a chaotic turn of events to have any chance.
Mercedes say sorry to Lewis Hamilton over team radio at Las Vegas Grand Prix
Hamilton told the team ‘that’s it guys’ after he made mistake, realising he wouldn’t be able to set a valid or competitive time. He saw his lap through rather than pitting straight away.
Speaking after he crossed the line, race engineer Peter Bonnington said: “Ok Lewis, that’s a P10. Sorry about that.”
Hamilton replied: “Yep. That was a big mistake.”
It’s unclear why Bonnington apologised. There may have been an error on the team’s part, or it could have been just a generally sympathetic remark.
Hamilton’s qualifying struggles seem to have intensified since the summer break. He’s failed to reach Q3 three times and only beaten Russell once (Singapore).
Jenson Button was wrong about Lewis Hamilton in Las Vegas
Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes can tell qualifying is ‘really hurting’ Hamilton in his interviews. She thinks it’s a bigger concern than falling behind Russell in the championship.
Hamilton will have to demonstrate in 2025 that he isn’t past his best over a single lap. He’ll be up against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, whom many regard as F1’s fastest driver in this format.
After his encouraging practice showing, former teammate Jenson Button said Hamilton was bouncing back in ‘typical’ fashion. Unfortunately, it was more of the same when it mattered.
Hamilton ‘confused’ Karun Chandhok by indicating after Brazil that he didn’t want to finish the season. His motivation could take another hit after a major missed opportunity in Q3.
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