Neon lights, and an electrifying atmosphere, at the Las Vegas GP Qualifying, unexpectedly became the headline, with Williams Racing delivering a staggering performance that left even the hardcore F1 fans rubbing their eyes in disbelief. The drama unfolded in a series of heart-thumping moments, starting with Alex Albon‘s stunning lap in the Williams, turning the sector purple and slotting an impressive fifth, while his teammate, Logan Sargeant, secured a solid eighth. The plot thickened as Lewis Hamilton initially surged to P1 with a formidable first lap in Q2.

However, the triumph was short-lived. Max Verstappen, in a breathtaking display of skill, eclipsed Hamilton by a mere 0.230 seconds, snatching the top spot and setting the stage for an even more dramatic twist. Meanwhile, the tension mounted as Albon, along with Pierre Gasly, Sargeant, Lance Stroll, and Daniel Ricciardo, lingered precariously in the danger zone.

What happened with Lewis Hamilton at the Las Vegas GP qualifying?

The final hammer blow came down hard and fast. Hamilton, found himself unceremoniously dumped out of Q2. The result was a staggering 11th-place finish for the Mercedes champion, a position unbefitting of his legendary status. In sharp contrast, both Williams cars soared into Q3, marking a significant upset for the Brackley brigade.

Hamilton’s radio response was succinct yet loaded with an air of resigned acceptance. “Couldn’t go faster, mate,“ he stated, his four words resonating with a mixture of helplessness and stark reality. It was a rare admission (but usual in 2023) from a driver known for his pursuit of perfection and speed. It’s a good thing that ‘W14 wouldn’t be around for many races’ after all.

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The Q2 reshuffling of the grid was a spectacle in itself, with Williams drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant capitalizing on Sainz’s penalty to secure better positions. Amidst this shuffle, Hamilton’s qualifying run was less than ideal.

‘George [Russell] Is Better’: Lewis Hamilton Given Pitiless Reality Check By F1 Champ at Las Vegas GP

Lewis Hamilton’s Las Vegas GP Qualifying analysed

The Briton, known for his remarkable ability to carve through the field, found himself in a spot of bother. He, along with Sergio Perez, was knocked out in Q2. The underpinning issue for Mercedes, and by extension for Hamilton, was tire degradation.

The team had been grappling with this problem throughout the season, and it was no different in Las Vegas. Hamilton acknowledged this in a pre-event press conference, emphasizing the critical role of tire performance in the car’s overall speed. This issue was a significant factor in his performance, not just in Las Vegas but also in previous races such as the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished lower than usual due to the car’s slow pace.

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The Las Vegas GP qualifying session clearly depicted the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where fortunes can change at the drop of a hat, and even seasoned champions like Lewis Hamilton are not immune to the whims of fate and the complexities of their machines. As the lights dimmed on the Las Vegas strip, the stage was set for an enthralling race.