Hamilton deflated in Australia: 'Used to getting knocked out of Q2 now'

It has been a tough start to the 2024 season for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. That tough start escalated dramatically after qualifying around the Albert Park Circuit at the Australian Grand Prix, where the seven-time world champion could only qualify in P11.

Hamilton very 'flat' after his Q2 elimination

Since the epic 2021 season, Hamilton and Mercedes have struggled to find the pace required to challenge the front of the grid. That was highlighted more than ever after Saturday's session in Melbourne, as Hamilton was bumped out of the top ten in Q2, meaning he will start Sunday's race in 11th place.

Speaking to both Viaplay and F1TV after this shock, the Brit sounded very defeated and said he was struggling to find consistency with his car. "I'm a bit used to getting knocked out of Q2," said the Brit. "It’s just a flat feeling. It’s not great. 

"I don't know if I'm dealing with the car that great. I'm less consistent than George. George is doing a better job with our car. Three qualifyings in a row that he's out-qualified, and he seems to get on a lot better than I do. I'm trying to keep my head above water and just continue to realise that it could be way worse."

Hamilton has 'no positives' going into the race  

When asked about what caused his early elimination, Hamilton said it was "the wind and the balance of the car" that caused the issues for him. "For some reason, when we get into qualifying, it’s so hard for us to even get out of Q1. I was nearly out of Q1 again so there's something we're missing. I don't know what it is, but I qualified just ahead of Williams, so we should not be in that position. There were some positives in P3, just for some reason, it didn't work out."

Coming into the race on Sunday, Hamilton does not see any positive that he can take into that race. "I didn't do a long run, so I don't really have any positives to take into tomorrow. Just that it's a new day and what will be will be. I'm just going to work as hard as I can to try and move forward and try and enjoy the race."