Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of claiming his first pole position since July 2023 were dashed at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after a frustrating Q3 session marred by mistakes. Despite showing strong pace throughout the weekend, the seven-time world champion will start 10th on the grid, a far cry from pole-sitter and teammate George Russell.
Mistakes Derail a Promising Weekend
Hamilton had looked poised to challenge for the top spot after topping FP1 and FP2 and delivering competitive performances in Q1 and Q2. However, the final stage of qualifying unraveled quickly for the Mercedes veteran.
A lock-up at Turn 14 forced him to abandon his first lap, while his second attempt ended with a slide of oversteer that pushed him off track and out of contention. Reflecting on his performance, Hamilton didn’t mince words.
“I should have been on pole, but I’m not,” Hamilton said. “It is what it is. C’est la vie. You live to fight another day.”
The Long Road Ahead
Starting from 10th, Hamilton faces another uphill battle, continuing a frustrating pattern of recovery drives late in the 2024 season. The Las Vegas GP will mark the third time in four weekends that Hamilton has had to claw his way back through the field to achieve the results his car’s pace suggests are possible.
“It’s been a good weekend so far, so I’ll give it my best shot tomorrow,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “Congrats to George. Conditions are great—it’s nice and cool. It’s been really nice all weekend. I’m really quite far back, so I’ll just see what I can do from there.”
Mercedes’ Contrasting Fortunes
While Hamilton struggled, George Russell delivered a near-flawless Q3 to claim his third pole of the season, underscoring the pace of the Mercedes W15 around the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. For Hamilton, however, the contrast adds to the sting of his missed opportunity, as his quest for a commanding Saturday performance remains elusive.
Tactical Opportunities on Race Day
Despite the disappointment, Hamilton remains optimistic about the race. The Las Vegas GP, with its long straights and unpredictable nature, offers opportunities for overtaking and strategic gains. Tire degradation, a critical factor in last year’s event, will also play a key role, giving Hamilton a potential edge if Mercedes’ race setup proves effective.
“Degradation is going to be key,” Hamilton noted. “They had an eventful race here last year, so anything can happen.”
A Final Push in 2024
As Hamilton’s storied career with Mercedes nears its conclusion, the Briton will look to end his season on a high. While his qualifying struggles have been a recurring theme, Hamilton’s ability to deliver spectacular recovery drives remains undiminished. With the Las Vegas GP set to be one of the most unpredictable races of the year, all eyes will be on the 39-year-old as he attempts to turn frustration into redemption under the neon lights.