Hamilton Claims He Is Now 'Used To' Being Knocked Out Of Q2 In Qualifying

Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 14:45

Updated at Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 18:41

Lewis Hamilton suggested after the third qualifying session of the season that he is starting to get used to being knocked out in Q2.

The seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton was eliminated from the Qualifying session at the Albert Park circuit after Q2 when Yuki Tsunoda on RB put in an incredible time that got him inside the P10 and pushed the Mercedes driver out.

The whole Australian Grand Prix has been like a rollercoaster for the seven-time World Champion so far. The 39-year-old said that the first run in the FP1 session felt the best for him it ever felt.

On the other hand, he said after the FP2 session that it was one of the worst sessions he had ever had and that he felt the least confident he had ever been in W15.

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In FP3, the seven-time World Champion matched the pace of Red Bulls and Ferraris and seemed really strong. And then, in qualifying, it was back to struggles. Asked how he felt after being knocked out of Q2, Hamilton told the media:

"I mean, I'm used to it. I'm a bit used to it now, getting knocked out in Q2. It's kind of just a flat feeling. It's not great. I mean, I don't know if I'm dealing with it that great."

While the seven-time World Champion said he is getting used to it, it was the first time this year that he didn't make it through to Q3, and last year, it was four times in 22 Grand Prix races. The seven-time World Champion applauded his teammate as he added:

"[I am] less consistent than George [Russell]. George is doing a better job without a car. That's three qualifyings in a row that he's out-qualified me. He just seems to get along a lot better [with the car] than I do."