Hamilton collects a stray bollard and gets bumped out of Q1 😖 #F1 AbuDhabiGP
Hamilton Stays Positive Despite Q1 Knockout In Final Race Weekend With Mercedes
F1Saturday, 07 December 2024 at 16:44
Updated at Saturday, 07 December 2024 at 17:17
Lewis Hamilton discussed the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session as he retained a positive mindset despite being out in Q1.
Heading into the last race weekend of the season at Yas Marina Circuit, Lewis Hamilton wanted to leave his current team on a high and score at least a podium.
Although Mercdes's pace looked promising in the final practice session, everything complicated for the seven-time World Champion in qualifying when he got knocked out of Q1 - in 18th place.
The 39-year-old was the last driver to cross the finish line for a flying lap, and unfortunately, he had to closely follow a slower Alpine as there was no time left, so he didn't have clean air.
Despite that, he was fast enough after the end of the second sector, but the Mercedes F1 driver was hit with serious bad luck in the final sector.
As he was going through turn number 14, Kevin Magnussen (who was trying to get out of his way) knocked a bollard right under Hamilton's car.
The bollard got stuck under his floor, and it stayed there for the remainder of the lap. Ultimately, Hamilton lost about two-tenths in his final sector, and he missed out on Q2 by 0,093 seconds.
Speaking to F1TV after the Grand Prix, the seven-time World Champion suggested the timing with the bollard was unbelievable, but he retained a positive mood:
"You couldn't have timed it more perfectly that bollard as it happened just... you know, it was meant to be."
"I really hoped that we had a chance of getting the podium. The car was feeling good, but if it really wasn't meant to be in the end, then I know I did everything right, and I'm confident that I've taken the right steps this weekend. We'll try and fight from there."
"I'd love to inherit some positions from grid penalties if I can; that would definitely help my Sunday. But I'm just trying to be really present, just trying to enjoy every moment with the team."
"Even though it wasn't a great session for us, it is what it is, and I still enjoy driving the car, and I'll enjoy driving it even more tomorrow."
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