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Lewis Hamilton retired from the Australian Grand Prix with an influence unit failure; Hamilton has been outperformed by Mercedes team-mate George Russell within the opening three occasions in his ultimate season with the crew; watch Japanese GP from April 5-7 reside on Sky Sports F1
Lewis Hamilton has branded the begin to his 2024 F1 season as “the worst” in his profession after retiring from the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton was eradicated in Q2 at Albert Park on Saturday and issues did not enhance on Sunday as he retired from the race on Lap 17 when working outdoors of the highest 10 because of an influence unit failure.
The seven-time world champion, who will go away Mercedes to affix Ferrari on the finish of this yr, completed seventh and ninth in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, so can also be statistically having his worst marketing campaign after three occasions.
Hamilton has taken a podium in one of many first three races of the yr in each season since his F1 debut in 2007, other than 2009 when he had a disqualification, sixth and seventh for McLaren.
“It’s the worst start to a season I’ve ever had. It’s worse than 2009,” he mentioned.
“It’s tough on the spirit for everyone in the team when so much work has been going on over the winter. You come in excited, driven and motivated, with the mindset you’re going to be fighting for wins, then that’s not the case.
Lewis Hamilton says the hole from Mercedes to Red Bull is similar as final yr after he retired from the Australian Grand Prix following an engine failure
“Then you assume ‘okay, perhaps second or third’ and that is not the case and it cascades a bit additional down and also you undergo the motions.
“It’s challenging. I continue to be inspired by the people I’ve worked with and continue to put in the effort and show up. That’s the most important thing.”
Hamilton: I surprinsgly really feel good
Hamilton has not received a race since December 2021 and has additionally had only one pole place within the final two years.
The 39-year-old is but to beat Mercedes team-mate George Russell in qualifying or the race up to now this yr, underlining his troublesome begin to the season.
He thinks it is necessary to deal with “the bigger picture” regardless of frustration about issues that he “can’t control”.
Hamilton experiences an engine failure and retires from a chaotic Australian Grand Prix!
“Surprisingly I feel pretty good. I’m trying to keep things in perspective. It could be so much worse,” mentioned Hamilton.
“I really enjoyed my time in Australia and I’m still enjoying working with the team. Of course, I would love to be fighting for wins and actually finishing races.
“It’s by no means nice to finish a race this manner. But what I do know is we are going to bounce again and finally get there, we simply must proceed to push.”
Formula 1’s greatest ever season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix, reside on Sky Sports F1 from April 5-7. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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