Disheartened Hamilton keeps it brief after Ferrari woes continue in Qatar

Hamilton is the only Ferrari driver to score a Sprint victory since the format was first introduced in 2021, but the Qatar weekend did not begin as he had hoped it would.

The Briton was disappointed after getting knocked out in SQ1 at the Losail International Circuit. Hamilton finished in 18th place and only ahead of the two Alpine drivers, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.

Over the team radio, his initial reaction was: "Ah man, the car won't go any quicker."

After the session, asked by F1 TV about whether the SF-25 was tricky to drive, Hamilton said: "Same as always."

Having a high-downforce setup also did not make things better. "No, clearly not," Hamilton added.

Were there any positives to take for the Briton? Hamilton answered: "The weather's nice."

While Hamilton's teammate, Charles Leclerc, could reach the final session of Sprint Qualifying, the Monegasque driver also only finished in ninth place. He finished five and a half tenths behind pole sitter Oscar Piastri.

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