Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton will want to forget the 2024 excursion to Melbourne as soon as possible, as he retired due to an engine issue.
The Briton’s race ended prematurely after just 17 laps when his engine surprisingly stopped functioning at the DRS straight line following a fast section of corners 9 and 10.
His shocking retirement was just a conclusion of a disappointing weekend for the Brackley-based outfit. Friday’s session was compromised by a wrong set-up, which Hamilton commented on.
Speaking to Lawrence Baretto, Hamilton noted how he did not expect a sudden engine issue to appear.
“Well, I didn’t feel it, it just went in one go. I didn’t feel it coming. It’s definitely frustrating because you know it’s so early in the race,” Hamilton said.
It was also revealed that Hamilton planned to do an opposite strategy by starting on the red soft tires.
“I was hoping to be able to progress forward and on a different strategy to everyone but these things happen.”
The six-time World Champion with Mercedes additionally expressed how there were no indications through a race weekend that would uncover a potentially fatal failure of the Mercedes’ engine.
Hamilton was also vocal regarding other fundamental issues with his current machine.
“We were terrible in high speed, but we’re so in the low speed this weekend as we were in the last race.”
Hamilton’s teammate suffered a retirement as well. George Russell crashed as he was 7th on the final lap of the race.
The Briton hit the outside barrier of Turn 6 and almost rolled upside down but was ultimately stopped by the side pod and punctured tires in the middle of the track.
A terrible weekend for Lewis Hamilton, who leaves the Briton in 9th place with just 8 scored points so far.