“S**t happens,” Lewis Hamilton bemoans DISAPPOINTING Q1 elimination from the Chinese GP qualifying

Lewis Hamilton had a disastrous Qualifying at the Chinese GP as the Briton was knocked out in Q1.

“S**t happens,” Lewis Hamilton bemoans DISAPPOINTING Q1 elimination from the Chinese GP qualifying

Lewis Hamilton (via: Imago)

The Chinese GP weekend has been a rollercoaster of a weekend for Lewis Hamilton. The Briton initially scored a great finish to the Sprint race despite the lackluster W15. Hence, fans were expecting great points from the seven-time world champion after a difficult start to the season. However, all dreams were crushed when the 39-year-old was eliminated from Q1, sustaining a P18 qualifying position.

Lewis Hamilton‘s struggles since the 2024 season continued at the Chinese GP. Hamilton’s P18 finish in quali will see him struggle to manage a point contention around the Shanghai circuit. The Briton opened up on the team radio and said he was “sorry” regarding the results. Regardless, Mercedes will try to give the seven-time world champion the best chance.

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Lewis Hamilton was questioned regarding his feelings after a disappointing Q1 elimination. Hamilton asserted that while making setup changes, he was hopeful of no worse results than the current one. However, as depicted in the Qualifying session, the results worsened. Hence, the 39-year-old accepted his fate and added that ‘s**t happens’ over the entire fiasco.

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When I was making the setup changes I was like, it can't get any worse surely? *laughs* And... it did. S*** happens
Lewis Hamilton said during post-session interview.

Lewis Hamilton claims he was ‘experimenting’ with the W15 during the Qualifying

Mercedes has been constantly making changes to the W15 challenger to gain any amount of benefits. The Chinese GP qualifying had a similar situation where the seven-time world champion was eager to bring changes to push his chances further. Hamilton asserted that George Russell and himself had very similar cars. However, the 39-year-old explained that, during the Qualifying session, both the drivers were experimenting with the car.

This morning, George and I had very similar cars. But then this afternoon, we were trying to experiment still with the cars.
Lewis Hamilton said during the post-race interview.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Via IMAGO)

Additionally, Hamilton asserted that both the drivers went completely different routes regarding the setup. Hence, this might be the reason for the stark difference in performance between the two drivers. However, the 39-year-old’s setup didn’t provide any substantial benefits to him and further ruined his chances. As a result, the seven-time world champion accepted that a P18 qualifying was ‘pretty bad’.

I went one way and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything. That's what we need to do at the moment. But it didn't work. I will give it my best shot. 18 is pretty bad.
Lewis Hamilton noted.

Hence, Hamilton will try his level best to initiate any sort of points contention around the Shanghai circuit. As things are, Mercedes will continue the tight battle between Aston Martin and themselves without a major lead. The Chinese GP will spot great racing action over multiple orders of the grid due to the difference in the qualifying position of the drivers.

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