Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix history, endured a shocking qualifying session that saw him eliminated in Q1 and relegated to 18th on the grid for his final race with Mercedes. The seven-time world champion, who will join Ferrari next season, was left disheartened after a freak incident involving a stray bollard derailed his final flying lap.
Bollard Chaos and Bad Timing
The drama unfolded when Haas driver Kevin Magnussen struck a trackside bollard, sending it flying directly into Hamilton’s path. The bollard became wedged under Hamilton’s car, severely compromising the aerodynamics and ruining his last attempt to escape Q1. Television replays captured the unfortunate sequence of events, leaving the Mercedes pit wall visibly frustrated.
“I messed that lap up big time, guys,” a despondent Hamilton radioed to his team after missing Q2 by a mere 0.093 seconds. Team principal Toto Wolff, equally disappointed, responded bluntly: “Yeah, that was bad.”
Speaking to reporters later, Hamilton reflected on the incident with characteristic resolve. “Just my luck, but it’s ok,” he said. “We tried so hard with the set-up, and the car was in a great place. After P3, I really thought a podium might be possible this weekend, but the timing and circumstances just didn’t go our way.”
A Record Low at Yas Marina
Hamilton’s 18th-place start is his worst-ever grid position at Yas Marina, a circuit where he has claimed five victories between 2011 and 2019. The stark contrast between his past successes and Saturday’s misfortune underscores the struggles Mercedes has faced during the latter half of the 2024 season.
The Briton’s Q1 elimination also marks a bittersweet end to his illustrious partnership with Mercedes. Once a dominant force in Formula 1, the team has struggled to match the performance of rivals like McLaren and Ferrari, leaving Hamilton to lament what might have been.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
Despite the setback, Hamilton remains determined to finish his final race with Mercedes on a high note. “I’ll try to come back from that,” he said. “The car has been feeling so much better this weekend. It’s been a joy to drive compared to earlier this year. My hopes were high, but it is what it is.”
Hamilton, who is poised to finish seventh in the 2024 World Championship standings—his worst result since his rookie season in 2007—maintains a sense of gratitude for his time with Mercedes. “I’m still really grateful. I’m staying present, and I’ll give it everything tomorrow.”
A Farewell to Remember?
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of an era in Formula 1. With six world titles and countless victories under the Silver Arrows, his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is secure. As he looks to Ferrari for the next chapter of his career, Sunday’s race offers a final chance to showcase the determination and skill that have defined his journey.
The Challenge Ahead
Hamilton faces an uphill battle to salvage points from the back of the grid, but if anyone can pull off a spectacular recovery, it’s the Briton. Fans can expect a thrilling performance as Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes and closes out one of the most storied chapters in Formula 1 history.