Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis hamilton endured a stunning and unprecedented qualifying session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing last in outright pace [[1]]. This dismal result marks the first time in his illustrious career the Ferrari driver has qualified in last place, and the first time a Ferrari qualified last since the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Unexpected rain and challenging track conditions derailed Hamilton’s session after promising performance in earlier practice runs, setting up a tough race day where he will need to overcome a meaningful disadvantage.
Lewis Hamilton experienced a stunning upset in qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing last on outright pace – a first in his Formula 1 career.
The seven-time World Champion recently described his move to Ferrari as a “nightmare” following a double retirement for the team at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and his struggles continued dramatically in Las Vegas.
After showing promising speed throughout practice sessions, a sudden downpour and resulting wet track conditions during qualifying completely derailed Hamilton’s session. The unexpected change left him unable to find any grip, resulting in a shocking last-place qualifying result. This qualifying sets the stage for a challenging race on Saturday, where Hamilton will have an uphill battle to climb through the field.
“I just don’t really have words for it,” Hamilton said after being eliminated in Q1. “It’s obviously not good enough and I didn’t have any – I couldn’t get any temperature into the tyres. I just had a lot of understeer and then I think one of my front brakes was glazed, so I was really struggling to stop in the corners.”
Hamilton’s result is a career first for the veteran driver, and it also marks the first time a Ferrari has qualified last since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009.
Hamilton had been fifth fastest in the final, dry practice session, suggesting the potential for a strong qualifying performance.
“It’s very annoying, of course, because I felt in [FP3] that the car was feeling awesome,” Hamilton added. “Honestly, I thought it was going to be a great day, but it’s turned out to be the worst. So it obviously can’t get much worse than that.”
There was also a moment of confusion at the end of Q1 as Hamilton questioned whether he’d crossed the finish line in time for a final lap attempt. “I had to have a lift, and when I came to the line, it was red,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
Adding to his difficulties, Hamilton also appeared to make contact with a dislodged cone during Q1, potentially hindering his progress in the session.
