Rocky start for Hamilton at Miami F1 race weekend

4th May 2024

Seven-time world champion starts Sprint race from 12th position on the grid, while team mate Russell starts just ahead of him in 11th

Under the scorching heat, the city’s first ever Sprint qualifying and the second for the 2024 Formula 1 season came to a sizzling end, but it was not without heartbreak and upset for Mercedes fans, reports Damian Hall from Miami.

Sir Lewis Hamilton and teammate George Russell were eliminated from the second session (Q2) of the sprint race qualifying format. Despite high expectations, the Mercedes duo faced a challenging session. Sir Hamilton showed strong pace in the first sector of the track, but he failed to find the optimal pace over the rest of the lap. To top it off, he had a brush with the wall at turn 18, which may have compromised his final attempt to advance to Q3. As a result, Sir Hamilton starts the race tomorrow from 12th position on the grid, while Russell starts just ahead of him in 11th.

At the top of the grid for tomorrow’s race will be Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s secondary driver, Sergio Perez.

Now, with Hamilton starting from a less typical competitive position, the stage is set for a riveting race filled with potential overtakes and strategic maneuvers. This unexpected turn of events adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling spectacle, promising fans a captivating display of skill and strategy as the drivers navigate their way through the challenges of the Miami Grand Prix.

Despite the disappointment for Mercedes, there were moments of brilliance from other drivers. Max Verstappen showcased his dominance once again by securing pole position, demonstrating the Red Bull’s formidable pace. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc impressed with a strong performance, securing a front-row start alongside Verstappen. Sergio Perez’s form ensured a solid third-place start for Red Bull, highlighting the team’s strength in qualifying.

Looking ahead to the race, the grid positions suggest a potentially action packed event. With Hamilton starting further down the order than usual, fans can anticipate a thrilling display of his renowned overtaking skills as he navigates through the field. Furthermore, Russell’s proximity to his teammate sets the stage for an intriguing intra-team battle, adding another layer of excitement to the race.

Miami’s inaugural Sprint Race promises to be an electrifying affair, with unpredictable outcomes and intense battles expected throughout the field. As the drivers prepare to take on the challenging circuit under the scorching Miami sun, anticipation reaches fever pitch among fans worldwide. With Hamilton’s unexpected grid position injecting an element of unpredictability, all eyes will be on the Mercedes driver as he aims to carve his way through the field and deliver a memorable performance.

#F1NEWS #FORMULAONE #SIRLEWISHAMILTON #MIAMIGP