Breaking: Lewis Hamilton devastated in Jeddah as he ruled out at Saudi GP due to…. read more
Lewis Hamilton Faces Setback in Jeddah After Frustrating Start to Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton endured a disheartening start to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion visibly frustrated following a tough Friday in Jeddah. The Mercedes driver faced considerable challenges throughout the day, falling significantly off the pace and raising doubts about his competitiveness for the rest of the weekend.
As the action began at the fast-paced and narrow Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Hamilton found it difficult to adapt to the demanding layout. Despite prior hopes of a stronger showing, neither he nor his Mercedes W15 found the performance they were looking for in the opening practice sessions. The team, which has been battling persistent car performance issues since the new era of regulations began in 2022, once again appeared to be on the back foot.
Hamilton struggled to get into a rhythm around the circuit’s high-speed turns, and his lap times reflected his discomfort. He not only trailed behind the dominant Red Bull drivers but also lagged behind several midfield contenders, including cars from Aston Martin, McLaren, and even Haas at times. This unexpected deficit sparked speculation about Mercedes’ latest setup approach and Hamilton’s confidence in the car’s balance.
After the second free practice session, Hamilton exited the garage looking visibly dejected. Observers noted his unusually downcast body language, a rare sight for the typically composed Briton. Commentators and analysts suggested that the combination of unresponsive car behavior and underwhelming results had clearly impacted his morale. Hopes had been high that Mercedes’ recent upgrades might close the performance gap, but the team’s lack of competitiveness in Jeddah painted a different picture.
Insiders within the Mercedes camp revealed that Hamilton’s car had been plagued by setup problems throughout the day. Multiple adjustments were made in an attempt to find the right balance, but none seemed to yield the desired results. Hamilton was seen in extended discussions with his race engineers, clearly determined to find answers. However, the mood in the garage was somber, and Hamilton ended the day well outside the top ten on the timing charts—an uncharacteristic position for the former champion.
Although Hamilton has not been formally ruled out of the weekend, the outlook is far from optimistic. With such a challenging start, the prospect of fighting for a podium—or even finishing in the top five—appears unlikely unless dramatic improvements are made overnight. Friday’s struggles have already dealt a significant blow to his momentum, and Saturday’s qualifying session will be crucial if he hopes to salvage anything from the weekend.
This difficult outing comes at a particularly sensitive time in Hamilton’s career. With his highly anticipated switch to Ferrari confirmed for 2025, the 2024 season marks the end of an era with Mercedes. Understandably, Hamilton is eager to finish on a high note, but days like this serve as a stark reminder of the uphill battle he and the team still face. The once-dominant squad has yet to find a consistent formula to compete with Red Bull and other front-runners in the current competitive landscape.
For Mercedes, Jeddah added to the growing sense of urgency. The team’s struggles highlight how far they’ve fallen from their former dominance, and the frustration is becoming increasingly evident—not just from Hamilton, but across the entire paddock.
As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend progresses, attention will now turn to whether Hamilton and his engineers can uncover any last-minute solutions to turn things around. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can bounce back or if Jeddah will become another chapter in what has been a challenging period for both Hamilton and Mercedes.
