British Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton admitted he was consumed with “unbearable anger and frustration” after a disastrous early exit from the first qualifying session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The incident marks one of the lowest moments of his debut season with Ferrari, turning what was once billed as a dream partnership into yet another chapter of misfortune.
Hamilton finished a disappointing 16th in qualifying for the final race of the season. The seven-time world champion had been hoping to regain momentum, but a crash during the final practice session left his car damaged and prevented him from completing his second qualifying run.
Speaking to Sky Italy, a visibly shaken Hamilton said:
“I have no words to describe how I feel… the amount of anger and frustration is unbearable.”
The setback adds to a worrying trend for the British driver. This is Hamilton’s fourth consecutive elimination in Q1, following similar exits in Las Vegas and Qatar. It is an unprecedented slump in a career spanning 18 years and it puts him on the verge of finishing a season without a single podium for the first time ever.
Hamilton explained that the car felt “strong and well-balanced” before the crash. However, an issue related to severe bottoming caused instability in the rear, ultimately costing him control.
“The accident definitely didn’t help,” he said, “but the car gave me confidence earlier until everything slipped away.”
Former Mercedes teammate and Sky Sports F1 analyst Nico Rosberg described Hamilton’s situation as “frightening,” arguing that the driver bears significant responsibility for the repeated mishaps.
Rosberg added:
“It’s extremely tough… doubts begin to creep in, and you start wondering whether you’ve truly lost your edge.”
Sky F1 analyst Bernie Collins also highlighted the widening gap between Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who has outperformed him in qualifying several times and secured seven podiums this season.
“There’s no sign of improvement yet,” Collins said. “It’s frustrating to see Hamilton in this condition.”
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari had fueled immense expectations at the start of the season. For many, it symbolized the ultimate combination: Ferrari’s legacy paired with Hamilton’s unmatched experience and hunger for victory. But results so far have been far from ideal, with the British driver previously describing the experience as feeling like a “nightmare instead of the dream I hoped for.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will determine the World Championship title, is scheduled for Sunday. All eyes will be on Hamilton to see whether he can steady himself emotionally and mentally after one of the toughest stretches of his Formula 1 career and whether he can salvage a positive ending from a season that has tested him like never before.