F1 News: Hamilton BEMOANS Mercedes amid Chinese Grand Prix frustrations

Chinese Grand Prix

Hamilton BEMOANS Mercedes amid Chinese Grand Prix frustrations

Lewis Hamilton's Chinese GP woes continue

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 21 April 2024 09:45 Updated: 12:27

Lewis Hamilton's Chinese Grand Prix weekend has slowly unravelled where he finished in ninth.

The weekend started off strong for the Mercedes, qualifying second in the sprint shootout and leading the first nine laps of the race.

However, a disastrous Saturday saw him fail to get out of Q1 for the first time since the Saudi Arabian GP in 2022.

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Despite starting on the softs, Hamilton failed to make his way through the field and was stuck behind Esteban Ocon in P14.

The British driver bemoaned being stuck behind one of the slowest cars on the grid over team radio.

"I can't even catch him, mate. This car is so slow," Hamilton said.

It has been a difficult Chinese GP for Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton started from 18th on the grid

Hamilton capitalises on VSC

After the Sauber of Valtteri Bottas pulled over in Turn 11 due to an engine failure, a Virtual Safety Car was thrown.

Hamilton took advantage of the VSC to box for new hard tyres, but by the time a full Safety Car was deployed and Hamilton was once again sat behind Ocon.

Hamilton emphasised his struggles over team radio.

"The car is just sliding around everywhere. I don't know, it just feels like something is broken. It's probably just the balance, it's really bad," he said.

In what was a damage limitation race, the seven-time world champion only managed ninth.

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Chinese Grand Prix Esteban Ocon