Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging qualifying session during the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23, 2023, finishing in last place. The seven-time champion recorded slow lap times, primarily due to rain-affected conditions, which complicated his performance.
Misjudgment in Timing
Hamilton believed he crossed the timing line too late to set another fast lap time. He stated to Sky Sports that he saw a red light as he crossed the line. However, video analysis showed that the red light illuminated shortly after he had crossed the chequered line, suggesting he was clear to attempt another lap.
Commentary Insights
Sky Sports F1 analysts, including Anthony Davidson, noted a significant detail regarding Hamilton’s situation. As he crossed the timing line, the lights were still green, indicating he could have continued. Davidson pointed out the confusion Hamilton faced, potentially mistaking the finish line for the start line.
- Hamilton crossed the chequered timing line before the red light appeared.
- Reports indicated he had enough speed to complete another lap.
- There was communication from the Ferrari pit wall advising Hamilton to keep pushing.
Team Communication and Strategy
Team communication played a critical role in this qualifying session. Despite receiving prior warnings about the tight timing, Hamilton decided to lift off when he saw the red light. Sky Sports’ Bernie Collins emphasized that once a driver lifts off, there’s little chance to recover the lap time.
Driver Reactions
Former driver Jenson Button criticized Hamilton for not pushing through the red light, stating that drivers should continue until explicitly told to stop. He reflected on the complexity of the situation, acknowledging that seeing red lights can lead drivers to believe their lap is over, which may have contributed to Hamilton’s misjudgment.
Hamilton’s Reflections
After the session, Hamilton expressed disappointment, indicating he lacked the grip needed for a competitive lap regardless of the timing issues. His performance in Las Vegas underscored the challenges of navigating both track conditions and the complex rules of timing during qualifying.
Looking Ahead
The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises excitement as the Formula 1 season continues. Teams will be eager to analyze the events of qualifying and strategize for the race. As the competition heats up, Hamilton will need to regroup and focus on improving his performance in future events.
