The glaring Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah is all set to go ahead. The Q1 session saw Carlos Sainz take P1 with Max and Charles close behind him. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ struggles continued with issues continuing from the Bahrain Grand Prix. Shockingly, Lewis Hamilton did not make it to Q 2 and stumbled across as he ended up in P16.

Hamilton’s last elimination in the qualifying 1 was five years back in Brazil in 2017. The seven-time World Champion will be massively disappointed as he scrambled across the straights. And to make matters worse, fellow Mercedes driver George Russell toppled him. The gap between Russell and Hamilton was six and a half tenth seconds, and Mercedes will work long into the night as they seek to resolve the issues in the car.

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A shocking result for Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes came into the Grand Prix with a solid start to the season. Many believed that an unlikely podium in Bahrain would have provided much-needed confidence to Lewis Hamilton. However, misery has hit the Silver Arrows in the form of a Q1 elimination. Hamilton started poorly in the session, as he was the driver at risk of lagging down in the bottom 5. He improved his lap time in the second run, but in vain.

After his second run in under the lights in Jeddah, he communicated on the radio that he could not better his time. He said, “Can’t seem to improve man”. As Lance Stroll, in his final running lap overcame Hamilton, it visibly frustrated the Brit as Toto Wolff and Co watched the result in shock. After knowing his status, he apologized  and conveyed, “I’m so sorry guys.” as he was disappointed with the outcome.

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Mercedes were grappling for pace throughout the weekend as Hamilton finished P11 during the FP3 session. However, his elimination in Q1 has sent shock waves among the fans and the Mercedes garage alike. The Silver Arrows will hope for a better showing from the Seven-time World Champion in the race, as Jeddah is a challenging track.