Mercedes did not get off to the best of starts during Friday’s qualifying session in Austria. The W-13 looked competitive with the front-runners right from Free Practice 1, but both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s qualifying was interrupted as they crashed into the barriers.

Hamilton showed his prowess behind the wheel during Q1 and Q2. Starting his 3rd lap in Q3 with just five minutes remaining on the clock, the Brit lost control of his W-13. Moreover, he was on course to set a competitive lap time before drifting across turn 7, which ultimately resulted in the crash.

This means that the Silver Arrows mechanics have their work cut out before today’s sprint race. A curious but helpless Hamilton watched the mechanics fix his chassis as he arrived on the scene.

He said, “The boys are doing such a great job. This is such a tall order, change of chassis and everything. There couldn’t be more to change. So proud of them. I wish I could help, but I’d just be getting in the way.”

As a result of his crash, the seven time world champion will start P9 after the FIA awarded Sergio Perez a grid penalty yesterday. The pace of the car has also undoubtedly improved and Hamilton will look to steer clear of the cars in front of him.

READ MORE: How Lewis Hamilton Risked Arm Fractures During the High-Speed F1 Crash at Red Bull Ring

Furthermore, his teammate George Russell also had an incident as he spun into the gravel in turn 10. Despite the crash, he will start P4 in the sprint race.

Lewis Hamilton to get all new chassis for his W-13 ahead of the sprint race

The consequences of Hamilton’s crash could have been dire. However, Mercedes is only changing the chassis of his W-13 and there will be no grid penalty for him. The side impact crash structure suffered tremendous damage as he collided into the barriers at turn 7.

Fortunately, there is no sign of a gear-box change which could have cost him a few places. However, with FP2 in play ahead of the sprint race, the Mercedes man will have to be careful.

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Nevertheless, Hamilton expressed his disappointment after a poor qualifying session. Speaking after the session, he said, “I am incredibly disappointed in myself ultimately and so sorry to the team who worked so hard to put this car together and I never like to bring it back damaged.”

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The Silver Arrows will look to close the gap to Ferrari and Red Bull and, with points on offer during the sprint race, they will look to capitalize on this opportunity.