“Lewis Hamilton is the new Sebastian Vettel”: F1 Twitter erupts after Lewis Hamilton gets knocked out of Q1 during qualifying at the Saudi Arabian GP

"Lewis Hamilton is the new Sebastian Vettel": F1 Twitter erupts after Lewis Hamilton gets knocked out of Q1 during qualifying at the Saudi Arabian GP

Lewis Hamilton finished 16th during qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, in what was his first Q1 exit since Brazil in 2017.

Coming into the weekend, Mercedes were not expected to lock out the front row like they did last December. However, the thought that seven-time World Champion Hamilton would not make it to Q2, was unfathomable.

Hamilton looked uncomfortable from the very get go on Saturday evening. He came out on the track with medium compound tires, something which didn’t work out at all. After Nicholas Latifi’s crash and a red flag, the Brit came on to the track on softs.

When he started his flying lap, people definitely expected him to climb towards the top of the timing charts. To everyone’s horror, the 37-year old could not put up a time good enough to get him out of Q1.

It looked like he was gaining some time towards the end of his final run, but Lance Stroll’s improved time pushed him further back. This means Hamilton will not take part in Q2 of an F1 Qualifying session for the first time since 2017.

Also read: Carlos Sainz wonders why nobody is talking about Red Bull engine

F1 Twitter couldn’t believe Lewis Hamilton getting knocked out of Q1 in qualifying

As expected, social media was on fire following Hamilton’s Q1 exit. Most of the community was left shocked, that a driver as consistent and brilliant as him couldn’t manage to do so.

What’s worse for the Brit is that, his teammate George Russell, not only made it to Q2, but was fourth fastest overall. Alex Albon, Nicholas Latifi, Nico Hulkenberg and Yuki Tsunoda were the other drivers who joined Hamilton in his exit from Q1.

Mercedes have been lacking pace overall throughout the weekend. With Hamilton starting 16th tomorrow, the Silver Arrows will be hoping that he manages to make his way up the field and get some points for them.

Also read: Max Verstappen not ruling out Mercedes despite their continued struggles

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
George Russell Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

About the author

Avatar photo

Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

Don’t miss these