F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying delayed after freak accident

Qualifying for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was delayed due to an unusual incident at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Q2 was pushed back a few minutes, following an incident which saw Lewis Hamilton fall to a Q1 exit in his final race with Mercedes.

F1 HEADLINES: FIA announce Hamilton verdict as MAJOR absence confirmed at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

F1 Qualifying Results: Hamilton OUT in shock early exit as Red Bull star has decision overturned at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Kevin Magnussen cut the corner at Turn 14 in order to get out of the way of several cars that were on their flying laps, but knocked over a bollard.

That bollard then got lodged under Hamilton's car as he attempted to finish his lap and get out of Q1.

The second qualifying session then faced a short delay as marshals worked to replace the bollard.

Bizarre issue forces qualifying delay

Magnussen's error only caused a five-minute delay to proceedings, but it did cap off what was an action-packed Q1.

READ MORE: Hamilton ROCKED by bizarre issue in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix nightmare

Sergio Perez was frustrated after having a lap time deleted, before it was later reinstated, helping him to get into Q2, but using an extra set of tyres that he didn't need to use because of the mistake.

Hamilton's struggles continued, and he will start his final race as a Mercedes driver down in 18th.

The seven-time champion is set to move to Ferrari from next season, ending his highly-successful 12-season spell with the Brackley outfit.

READ MORE: Sky F1 presenter ABSENT from Abu Dhabi GP with health update

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix results: Baku chaos delivers thrilling finish and more misery for Lewis Hamilton

• 3 hours ago

F1 champion blames the WALL after shock Kimi Antonelli crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• Today 11:14

Kim Kardashian makes surprise trip to watch F1 star boyfriend Lewis Hamilton in action

• Today 10:27

Charles Leclerc calls out Ferrari bias as F1 star opens up on Lewis Hamilton fight

• Today 08:58

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari in turmoil after Mercedes humiliation at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:58

F1 star Lewis Hamilton issues grid penalty verdict ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:05