Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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Hamilton considers pit lane start as 'gutted' by Q1 exit

Hamilton failed to escape Q1 for the first time since 2017

Sam Hall

Saturday 26 March 2022 19:36

Lewis Hamilton has conceded to considering breaking parc ferme to make changes to his Mercedes after failing to escape Q1 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hamilton qualified only 16th fastest for the Jeddah race after securing pole position when F1 first visited the circuit last year.

“It’s not going to be one of the hardest races ever, it’s just going to be a so-so race," said Hamilton.

"It’s probably not going to be that great.

“Maybe I’ll start from the pit lane and change the car again to make sure it doesn’t handle the way it just did.”

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In the same session as Hamilton was fifth-slowest, his Mercedes team-mate George Russell was fifth fastest.

Explaining the difficulties he had endured with his W13, Hamilton added: “For sure, there is something wrong. I don’t know what it is so I can’t comment on it really. I had no rear end.

“I don’t know what George did set up-wise. The car was feeling good in P3 and I made a couple of adjustments but I had no rear end. The rear was just so loose.

Asked if there was still a realistic chance of scoring points in Sunday's race, Hamilton said: “Yeah.

"So much can happen but I just apologise to my team. Everyone works so hard and when you don’t deliver for them it’s gutting.”

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