Lewis Hamilton failed to reach Q3 for the second consecutive race weekend in Australia, unable to find his best form. The 7-time Champion appeared dejected post-session, seemingly resigned to the situation.
Mercedes followed an increasingly familiar pattern on Saturday in Albert Park. The W15 showed encouraging pace in Practice 3, putting Lewis Hamilton and George Russell within striking range of the front positions.
Feedback was also more positive, as the #44 car proved more stable and predictable than on Friday. However, this optimism did not last long.
Before the end of Q1, it was clear that Mercedes would be nowhere near the fight for Pole Position. When it came to crunch time, the Silver Arrows were slower than Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin.
Rusell managed slightly better than his teammate, although Mercedes will hardly celebrate P7 on the grid for Sunday’s race.
LEWIS HAMILTON: I’M BECOMING USED TO IT
Speaking after the third qualifying session of F1 2024, Hamilton was asked how he felt when his elimination was confirmed:
“I mean, I’m used to it. I’m a bit used to it now, getting knocked out in Q2.
“It’s kind of just a flat feeling. It’s not great. I mean, I don’t know if I’m dealing with it that great.
“[I am] less consistent than George [Russell]. George is doing a better job without a car. That’s three qualifyings in a row that he’s out-qualified me.
“He just seems to get along a lot better [with the car] than I do.”
When James Allison returned to lead technical development at Brackley last year, the expectation was that a resurgence would begin in 2024.
Last season’s campaign was widely seen as a traditional year for the German constructor to establish a strong baseline.
However, Lewis Hamilton finds himself failing to make Q3 at a circuit where he finished second last season. As each race weekend passes, his decision to join Ferrari seems increasingly wise.
Though nobody can predict his prospects in 2026 and beyond, Maranello is in a better place than Mercedes for 2024-25.
Until then, the 39-year-old will aim to get closer to George Russell. The British driver is putting up significantly better performances in 2024, which is something Hamilton will hope to rectify.
Meanwhile, silly season discussions about Mercedes F1 and their future driver line-up have quietened down.
Until the team’s form improves, speculation linking the Silver Arrows to high-profile drivers like Max Verstappen will appear more and more unrealistic.
