Hamilton Faces Disappointment with Last-Place Qualifying in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton’s challenging season in Formula One reached a new low on November 17, 2023, when he qualified last for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Driving for Ferrari, the seven-time world champion described the experience as “horrible,” marking a significant setback in what he has termed his toughest year in the sport.

Hamilton’s struggles came during a qualifying session heavily impacted by adverse weather conditions. After showing promise in final practice, where he felt the car was performing well, the heavy rain transformed the situation. “The car was feeling great in FP3, and I honestly was really, really excited,” Hamilton said. “I thought finally we’d have a good day, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

Visibility issues under the floodlights along the Las Vegas Strip complicated the qualifying round significantly. Hamilton explained, “As bad as it gets. I couldn’t see anything. I hit a bollard at one point; I just couldn’t see the corner.” This disappointment marks the first time in Hamilton’s career that he has qualified last on pace, a stark contrast to his storied history in the sport.

Historic Low for Hamilton and Ferrari

In a notable turn of events, Hamilton will be the first Ferrari driver to start from the back of the grid since Giancarlo Fisichella in Abu Dhabi in 2009. Championship leader Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in second and Williams’ Carlos Sainz in third.

When asked about his emotions after finishing 20th, Hamilton took a moment before responding. “I don’t really have an answer for that,” he admitted. “Obviously it feels horrible, it doesn’t feel good. But all I can do is just let it go by and try and come back tomorrow.”

He emphasized that he had prepared thoroughly and felt optimistic heading into the session. “This year is definitely the hardest year,” Hamilton stated, reflecting on the challenges he has faced since joining Ferrari from Mercedes. With only three races remaining, he is determined to salvage something from the season.

Team chairman John Elkann recently stirred controversy by suggesting that Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc should “focus on driving and talk less” following a double retirement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. In light of these comments, both drivers have denied any friction within the team. Leclerc managed to qualify ninth for Saturday’s race.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains hopeful about his chances in the race if conditions improve. “I’ve got a really good car,” he stated. Yet, he acknowledged the difficulties of advancing from 20th place on a street circuit. The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be a test of skill and strategy for everyone involved, especially for Hamilton as he seeks to turn his fortunes around.