Lewis Hamilton qualified last for Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, but did the Ferrari driver make a serious mistake that cost him his chance to improve his starting position?
The seven-time world champion crossed the timing line late in rain-hit Q1 and did not attempt any further flying laps, leaving him at the bottom of the timesheets.
“When I crossed the line, it was red (light),” he told Sky Sports after qualifying, indicating that he thought he did not get to the line in time to attempt another lap.
However, it is clear from on-board photos and timing data that Hamilton crossed the “checkerboard” timing line before the clock hit zero in Q1, and the red light came on as Hamilton reached the start line about half a second later.
Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson questioned whether the Ferrari driver had made a serious mistake by judging his position based on the wrong line.
“He got to the checkered line, which is the timing line, and the green light is still there,” Davidson explained.
The light was still blue when Hamilton passed through the timeline
“He says he saw a red light. He was speeding, but when he got to the timing line he was 100 percent OK. It’s good to send it in and do one more lap.”
“As soon as he crossed the line, the light went red. It’s very difficult to judge the speed in the car, but before the red light came on he crossed the line and started a new lap.”
The red light only appeared after Hamilton crossed the timing line, meaning he was free to attempt another lap.
“I wonder if he’s looking at the start line and not the finish line. Like many circuits, this track has two different lines.
“I don’t know if he had the speed to overtake anyway, but it was clearly very close from inside the car for Lewis to judge.”
Could it have been caused by the Ferrari pit wall?
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Did Cone harm Hamilton’s chances during qualifying?
Sky Sports F1’s David Croft and Jenson Button were able to see in real time from a commentary standpoint that Hamilton should not have lifted and was safe to drive.
So should Ferrari’s pitwall have done a better job of communicating that information to the driver?
Listening to the team radio, the team had clearly told Hamilton on the previous lap that things were tough and he needed to keep pushing.
As he crossed the line, Hamilton asked the race engineer if it was safe and was told to keep pushing, but replied that it was a red light before being told to push again.
“At that stage it’s too late,” Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins explained.
“Before he got to the line, he was given information that it was going to be tough and he needed to keep pushing.
“Then, when the red light came out, I thought maybe Ferrari had mistimed it a little bit or didn’t flag it.
“A lot of things happened. I thought he didn’t understand. He quickly stood up, but it was too late.
“There’s no point telling a driver to push again because he’s already lost a lap as soon as he lifts off.
“All those things worked, but I think the information was there to protect the Ferrari pit wall.”
So, is Hamilton to blame?
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A dejected Hamilton was dissatisfied after his Q1 loss at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
There were many challenges for Hamilton, with yellow flags and wet weather affecting his decision-making at key moments, but Button refused to defend his driver.
He feels Hamilton misjudged Wright and should have kept pushing instead of assuming it was a mistake.
“Keep driving until you are told to slow down,” Button said.
“I think you should know all the regulations. When you see a red light flashing in front of you, you really have to be careful as a driver. You think it’s over.”
“The timeline is clearly ahead of that and he knows it because he has timed his dash on previous lap times.
“I think when it’s this tricky and there’s so much going on, he loses focus on what’s the right thing to start the next lap.
“He’s probably not the first to make this mistake. The timing line is a separate line from the gantry. He should know that.”
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Earlier on Saturday, Hamilton almost collided with Racing Bull Liam Lawson during final practice
However, Hamilton missed the chance to salvage a disappointing qualifying session, though he later told reporters that he lacked the pace to get out of the drop zone.
“I just didn’t have the grip,” he complained. “So I don’t think there was much of a difference.”
Sky Sports F1 Las Vegas GP Schedule
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Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights
Sunday, November 23rd
12:15am: F1 Academy Race 2
2:30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Las Vegas GP Build-up*
4am: Las Vegas Grand Prix*
6am: Checkered flag: Las Vegas Grand Prix reaction*
7am: Ted’s Notes*
*The main event will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports
F1’s thrilling title race continues until Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
