Lewis Hamilton retired from the Australian Grand Prix due to power unit failure. Hamilton outperformed Mercedes teammate George Russell in the opening three events of his final season with the team. Watch the Japanese Grand Prix from April 5th to 7th live on Sky Sports F1
11:38, UK, Monday 25 March 2024
Lewis Hamilton described the start to the 2024 F1 season as the “worst” start of his career after retiring from the Australian Grand Prix.
Hamilton was eliminated in Q2 at Albert Park on Saturday, but things did not improve on Sunday, when he retired from the race on lap 17 while running outside the top ten due to a power unit failure.
The seven-time world champion, who will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of this year, is having his worst season statistically in three competitions, finishing seventh and ninth in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Hamilton has finished on the podium in one of the first three races every year since his F1 debut in 2007, with the exception of 2009 when he was disqualified, finishing sixth and seventh for McLaren.
“This is the worst start to the season ever. Worse than 2009,” he said.
“With so much work going on over the winter, it’s tough on everyone mentally on the team. We come into the team excited, eager and motivated, intending to fight for wins. It's coming, but it's not.”
Lewis Hamilton says the gap between Mercedes and Red Bull is the same as last year after retiring from the Australian Grand Prix with engine failure
“Then you think, 'Okay, maybe second or third,' but instead you end up cascading further down and doing something like this.
“It's challenging. I continue to be inspired by the people I've worked with and continue to work hard and deliver. That's the most important thing.”
HAMILTON: I feel amazing.
Hamilton has not won a race since December 2021 and has only taken pole position once in the past two years.
The 39-year-old has failed to beat Mercedes teammate George Russell in qualifying or racing so far this year, underscoring his difficult start to the season.
He believes it's important to focus on the “big picture” despite his frustration with things he “can't control.”
Hamilton reports engine failure, retires from chaotic Australian Grand Prix!
“Surprisingly, I feel pretty good. I'm trying to keep things positive. It could be worse,” Hamilton said.
“I really enjoyed my time in Australia and I still enjoy working with the team. Of course I want to fight for the win and actually finish the race.”
“It's never great to end a race like this. But what I know is that we'll bounce back and we'll get there eventually. We just keep pushing. There is a need.”
The biggest season in F1 history continues with the Japanese Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from April 5th to 7th. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – cancel anytime with no contract
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