Lewis Hamilton says the inconsistency in his Mercedes is “messing with the thoughts” after his shock early exit from qualifying on the Australian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion’s disappointing begin to his last season with Mercedes continued earlier than his transfer to Ferrari in Melbourne on Saturday the place he certified eleventh in Sunday’s race.
Hamilton had described Friday’s second apply as “one of many worst experiences in a very long time” however Mercedes appeared to have made a giant lead in a single day when Hamilton completed tenth forward of Charles Leclerc in last apply on Saturday morning.
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Australian Grand Prix qualifying highlights from Albert Park.
Nevertheless, within the windier afternoon circumstances at Albert Park, Mercedes misplaced floor and a poor lap on the finish of Q2 noticed Hamilton overtake Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda earlier than Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen moved into pole place.
“It felt nice to be third,” Hamilton stated. Sky Sports activities F1. “It was bizarre as a result of we had been there with these individuals and we did not actually perceive why.
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An enormous shock after Lewis Hamilton was eradicated from Q2 by Lance Stroll, who improved his time and knocked the Mercedes driver right down to eleventh place.
He continued: “However then we go into qualifying, it is simply one other contradiction contained in the automobile, it actually messes with the thoughts.”
Hamilton defined that there’s a “lengthy listing” of issues that contribute to his struggles at the start of the season.
“I believe our automobile is a bit bit on a knife’s edge,” Hamilton stated.
“Within the afternoon, the wind picks up right here, as with P2. P1 was a bit bit higher, after which when the wind picks up, the automobile will get much more unstable. After which this morning was good with calmer winds, after which quickly when it picks up The wind is getting rather less steady.
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Karun Chandhok takes a have a look at Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying lap after his shock exit from Q2 in Melbourne
“However the different groups picked up the tempo in qualifying. I am unsure why, however the grid did not really feel the identical in qualifying. Regardless that we had lighter gasoline, it felt higher in third. So, it is not an incredible feeling.” “For everybody on the group, however we’ll maintain cracking.”
George Russell completed seventh on the grid to safe a 3-0 qualifying win over Hamilton for the season, with the previous nicely positioned to realize the identical outcome for Sunday’s race outcomes.
“George did a great job at this time,” Hamilton added. “That is what it’s. I simply should attempt to do higher tomorrow.”
Extra to observe…
Stay Australian GP schedule on Sky Sports activities F1
The third spherical of the 2024 Components 1 season takes place on Sunday, with lights out at 4am on Sky Sports activities F1.
Sunday 24 March
- 12.30am: Featured Components 2 race
- 3am: Australian Grand Prix preparations: Grand Prix on Sunday
- 4am: Australian Grand Prix
- 6am: Australian Grand Prix response: the checkered flag
- 7am: Ted’s Pocket book
- 7.30am: Australian Grand Prix highlights
- 8.30am: Australian Grand Prix preparations: Sunday’s Grand Prix replay
- 9.30am: Australian Grand Prix replay
- 10am: Australian Grand Prix highlights (Sky Showcase)
- 11.30am: Australian Grand Prix response: Checkered flag replay
The largest Components 1 season ever continues with the Australian Grand Prix stay on Sky Sports activities F1 at 4am on Sunday, stay on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
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