Lewis Hamilton devastated in Jeddah as he ruled out at Saudi Grand Prix due to…. read more
Lewis Hamilton experienced a deeply frustrating Friday at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, leaving the seven-time world champion visibly disheartened after a difficult performance on track in Jeddah.
As the Formula 1 weekend got underway, Hamilton and his Mercedes team found themselves off the pace in the early sessions. The street circuit in Jeddah has always posed unique challenges with its high-speed corners and narrow layout, but this time, Hamilton struggled more than expected to find any rhythm. The Briton’s performance raised concerns as he failed to match the pace of not just the Red Bulls but also several midfield contenders, prompting speculation about the car’s ongoing issues and Hamilton’s own dissatisfaction.
Hamilton appeared dejected as he exited the garage following the second free practice session. Body language experts and commentators alike noted his unusually subdued demeanor, suggesting the gravity of his disappointment. Despite high hopes that Mercedes might close the gap to their rivals, especially after updates introduced earlier in the season, the team seemed to take a step backward in Jeddah’s high-speed environment.
Sources close to the team revealed that setup troubles plagued Hamilton’s car throughout the day, and attempts to fine-tune the balance proved ineffective. He was seen in deep discussion with his engineers after the session, possibly trying to figure out a way to improve the car’s behavior before qualifying. However, the signs were not encouraging, with Hamilton ending the day well outside the top timesheets.
Though not officially “ruled out” of the race weekend, Hamilton’s chances of a competitive showing took a major hit. With such a poor start to the weekend, the possibility of him contending for a podium spot, or even a top-five finish, appears slim unless significant overnight improvements are made.
The scene in the Mercedes paddock was somber, reflecting the mounting frustration the team has endured over the past couple of seasons. Once dominant in the hybrid era, Mercedes now finds itself in an uncharacteristic position—struggling to stay in touch with the front-runners and desperately searching for solutions.
For Hamilton, who is entering what could be his final season with Mercedes before moving to Ferrari next year, days like this are especially disheartening. The British driver remains determined, but Friday in Jeddah was a stark reminder of the gap Mercedes still needs to close if they want to return to title-contending form.
As the weekend continues, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton and his team can bounce back or if the Saudi Arabian GP will mark another low point in a challenging
