For the first time since 2014, Lewis Hamilton has been knocked out of Q3 twice in a row.
Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton finds himself involved in the chaotic performance of the Mercedes W14. This vehicle has shown to be more unpredictable than ever before. Despite a general improvement in 2023, Hamilton’s recent losses in the last two qualifying sessions have raised questions about the W14’s consistency.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session proved to be a difficult experience for Hamilton and the Mercedes team. Hamilton had a setback, placing 11th for the second weekend in a row and losing out on a position in Q3. While his colleague George Russell finished fourth, he was still more than four tenths slower than Max Verstappen’s pole pace. Hamilton’s post-qualifying thoughts presented an honest look at his troubles with the W14.
“It’s more inconsistent than ever before [the W14]. It’s been up and down – per corner to the moment you hit the brakes and turn to the moment you hit the apex. It’s massively out of balance. Very hard to predict what is going to happen”
The W14’s instability has been a reoccurring problem throughout the 2023 season. Despite Russell’s good performance in the last session, when he led the pack, there was little reason to be optimistic. However, qualifying gave a harsh reality check on the team’s performance.
Lewis Hamilton’s consecutive Q3 eliminations hinder Mercedes’ fight with Ferrari
The crew has worked hard to improve its performance, such as inserting side pods in Monaco and redesigning their overall design. However, the Mercedes team has been hampered by recurrent challenges, like as tire problems in Sao Paulo and hidden difficulties in Las Vegas. Scuderia Ferrari’s pressure in the Constructors’ Championship standings has complicated their season.
Hamilton’s back-to-back qualifying catastrophes signal a turning point in the season. Despite many podium finishes and a third-place finish in the championship standings, Mercedes’ status in the Constructors’ Championship has been challenged by successive 11th-place qualifying results. The battle for second place is still underway, with the ultimate decision expected on Sunday.
As the Formula One season comes to a close in Abu Dhabi, the inconsistency of the W14 provides a difficult challenge to Hamilton and Mercedes. Overcoming the unpredictable nature of their vehicle becomes critical not just for Hamilton’s individual position, but also for the team’s quest of Constructors’ Championship triumph.
