Lewis Hamilton was sensationally eliminated in Q1 qualifying, with an unbelievable underperformance in the rain.
The seven-time world champion’s horror day unfolded when Franco Calopinto lost control and spun into the Rolex advertising screens at Turn 3. The red flag was waved, signalling an eight-minute stoppage. At this point the rain began to fall harder.
This was potentially bad news for Mercedes, with both cars in the drop zone. Hamilton, who made his legend in the rain, was at the bottom, 11 seconds off the top. George Russell was just two places above him.
Russell escaped with some ease when the action resumed. Hamilton did not. It was a stunning scene. This was the Hamilton who produced one of the two greatest wet-weather drives the world has ever seen: winning Silverstone in 2008 by a minute, akin to the magic of his hero Ayrton Senna at Donington in 1993.
Lewis Hamilton was sensationally eliminated from qualifying in Q1, with a barely credible underperformance in the wet
There were three red flags after three crashes, including one by Carlos Sainz (above)
Above, Sainz’s car is lifted off the track after hitting the barriers
Hamilton was an amphibian that day 16 years ago – and then this. He finished two seconds behind Russell. It was one of the most stunning performances I’ve seen in covering more than 300 Grands Prix. “The car was out of control,” said Hamilton, who trails Russell 16-5 in qualifying this season.
Either Hamilton is being sabotaged by Mercedes, or there’s something seriously wrong with him. At 39, you wonder if he can ever regain the supernatural nerve and skill that propelled him to the heights of motorsport during a long peak.
But history tells us we should never write him off. He’s made a career of producing magic acts in moments of crisis. It would be the best thing Hamilton could ever do to win this afternoon’s race from apparent oblivion.
A penny for the thoughts of John Elkann, president of Ferrari, who will pay a goldmine for Hamilton’s services next year and the year after.
Max Verstappen received a five-place grid penalty for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday
Due to his Q2 elimination during qualifying on Sunday, Verstappen ultimately finished 12th in qualifying. As a result, he will start the race in P17
Hamilton’s Q1 elimination wasn’t the only surprise on Sunday morning. The harsh conditions saw four cars crash into the barriers, leading to four red flags as the driver struggled to maintain control of his car in Sao Paulo.
Carlos Sainz crashed in turn two, while Lance Stroll crashed in turn 3, both of which led to red flags. However, Max Verstappen’s lap, in sector three, was forced to stop due to Stroll’s red flag, meaning he qualified 12th fastest and ended up in P17 for the Grand Prix.