Hamilton OUT in shock early exit as Red Bull star has decision....

Hamilton OUT in shock early exit as Red Bull star has decision….read more

Lewis Hamilton’s last weekend as a Mercedes driver at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been marred by a shocking early exit in qualifying. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, who has been an iconic figure in the sport, was eliminated in Q1 after qualifying in a disappointing 18th place. This setback came as a surprise to many, given Hamilton’s illustrious career and track record of strong performances. However, a series of unfortunate events led to his exit, and his chances for a strong finish to his Mercedes tenure were dashed early.

The drama began when Hamilton was in the middle of pushing for a better lap time to secure a place in Q2. As he was trying to navigate through the circuit, Kevin Magnussen, the Danish driver for Haas, was also on his lap. In an attempt to allow Hamilton some clear air and space to set his time, Magnussen inadvertently knocked a bollard onto the track. The bollard, a crucial part of the trackside barriers, was not only dislodged but also lodged underneath Hamilton’s Mercedes, disrupting his car’s setup. The obstruction caused significant damage to Hamilton’s car, affecting its aerodynamics and overall handling. With no chance to recover his position, Hamilton’s session ended abruptly, much to the disbelief of his fans and the wider Formula 1 community.

The Mercedes team, known for its strong performance over the past decade, had hoped for a much better result. Hamilton, who has consistently been one of the top drivers on the grid, was expected to at least make it through to Q2, if not challenge for a place in the top ten. However, the incident with the bollard and the resulting damage meant Hamilton had no further opportunities to improve his lap time. He was eliminated from qualifying in the first phase, placing him in 18th, a devastating blow considering his status as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

Meanwhile, another major story emerged from the qualifying session concerning Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Perez, who has had a turbulent season, was also under pressure to perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Mexican driver has struggled for consistency throughout 2024, finding himself eliminated in Q1 during six different qualifying sessions earlier in the season. His performance at the final race of the season appeared to follow the same pattern when his lap time was initially deleted by the stewards for exceeding track limits, putting his progression into Q2 at risk.

However, Perez’s luck turned around when the decision was overturned by the stewards. After reviewing the evidence, they reinstated his lap time, allowing him to continue into the second part of qualifying. This unexpected turn of events was a relief for Perez, who had been in danger of being eliminated early again. While Perez has been consistent in securing podiums throughout the season, his qualifying struggles have been well-documented, and the uncertainty surrounding his performance on Saturdays has been a source of frustration for the Red Bull team. Despite this, Perez was able to make it through to Q2, much to the relief of his team and fans.

For Hamilton, the day was a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in Formula 1. After years of domination, this unexpected turn of events highlights the challenges that even the best drivers face in the sport. The damage to his car, combined with the misfortune of Magnussen’s incident, ultimately cost him a chance to secure a strong result at the final race of the season. Hamilton’s early exit was a bitter pill to swallow for the Mercedes team, as they had hoped for a positive conclusion to their season with Hamilton. Instead, it was a frustrating end to an emotional chapter of the British driver’s career with the German manufacturer.

The focus now shifts to the race itself, where drivers like Perez will look to capitalize on their qualifying positions and try to end the season on a high note. For Hamilton, while his qualifying performance was disappointing, the final race of the 2024 season will still offer an opportunity to salvage something from the weekend. With the future uncertain regarding his next steps in Formula 1, Hamilton’s early exit serves as a stark reminder that even the most successful careers are not without their setbacks and challenges. As the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race unfolds, fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching to see if any further surprises await.