Hamilton was hopeful of a podium finish in his final race for Mercedes

Having endured an early elimination due to an unfortunate incident in Q1, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton explained that he had been hopeful of a podium finish in his final race for Mercedes.

With the entire field having found big improvements in the closing stages of the first qualifying segment, the seven-time world champion found himself in the drop zone. He was on his final push lap, and was on course to put in a good enough time that would get him through to Q2, but he came upon a slow Kevin Magnussen in the Haas.

The Dane driver moved to the side of the track to get himself out of the way of Hamilton, but doing so, he ran over a bollard which rolled back on to the racing line. With no time ro react, Hamilton then ran over the bollard which got stuck under his front wing which saw him lose valuable time, and he eventually was eliminated in Q1.

The unfortunate incident could have not come at a worse time as Hamilton is completing his final outing with Mercedes, and he has appeared to be much more comfortable behind the wheel of his car than in previous rounds.

Reflecting on the unfortunate incident that saw him qualify himself only 18th on the grid, the seven-time world champion said that he will now try to enjoy the last moments in his final race with Mercedes.

“I mean, you couldn’t have timed it more perfectly – that bollard. It happened just… it was meant to be. I was really hopeful. I really thought that we had a chance at getting a podium. The car was feeling good but it wasn’t meant to be in the end.

“I know I did everything right and I’m confident that I’ve taken the right steps this weekend. We’ll try and fight from there. I’m just trying to be really present and just try to enjoy every moment, every moment with the team even though it wasn’t a great session for us.

“It is what it is and I still enjoy driving the car, and I’m going to enjoy it even more tomorrow.”