Lewis Hamilton’s farewell weekend with Mercedes took a dramatic turn as the seven-time world champion was eliminated in Q1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In a bizarre incident, a bollard dislodged by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas became lodged under Hamilton’s car, compromising his setup and ending his session prematurely.
Hamilton’s Unexpected Exit
The incident unfolded as Magnussen attempted to clear the way for Hamilton, inadvertently knocking a bollard onto the track. The obstruction lodged itself under Hamilton’s Mercedes, destabilizing his car and preventing him from improving his lap time. The Briton, who had high hopes for a strong performance in his final race with Mercedes, was left frustrated as he finished 18th.
Hamilton Reflects on Early Exit
Speaking after the session, Hamilton expressed disappointment:
“It’s not the way I wanted my final qualifying with Mercedes to go, but sometimes these things are out of your control. We’ll focus on making up as much ground as we can in the race.”
Perez Scrapes Through After Stewards’ Decision
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez narrowly avoided elimination in Q1 after a track limits violation initially saw his lap time deleted. The decision was later overturned by the stewards, allowing Perez to progress to Q2. While Perez has struggled with consistency this season—dropping out in Q1 six times—he managed to stay in contention at the season finale.
Q1 Eliminations: Abu Dhabi GP 2024
- 16th: Alex Albon (Williams)
- 17th: Zhou Guanyu (Kick Sauber)
- 18th: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- 19th: Franco Colapinto (Williams)
- 20th: Jack Doohan (Alpine)
What’s Next for Hamilton?
Hamilton’s early exit sets the stage for an uphill battle in Sunday’s race. Starting from 18th, the Briton faces a daunting task in his bid to end his Mercedes career on a high note. With Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit offering limited overtaking opportunities, strategy and tire management will be critical for Hamilton’s chances of salvaging points.
Key Takeaways
- Hamilton Out in Q1: A rare and frustrating early elimination for the seven-time champion.
- Magnussen’s Role: The Haas driver inadvertently dislodged a bollard, compromising Hamilton’s session.
- Perez Narrowly Escapes: A stewards’ decision saved the Red Bull driver from another Q1 elimination.
- Abu Dhabi Grid Drama: Early exits for several big names set the stage for an unpredictable race.
Looking Ahead
As the final race of the 2024 season looms, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can fight his way back through the field. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez will look to capitalize on his reprieve and end a turbulent season on a strong note. With unexpected twists already shaping the weekend, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises high-stakes drama under the lights.