In a surprising turn during the Azerbaijan GP qualifying session, Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q2, securing just the 12th position for the race. This unexpected development with Lewis Hamilton Azerbaijan qualifying sparked widespread criticism from fans on social media, reflecting frustration over the Briton’s performance.
Ferrari initially appeared dominant during the weekend’s early activities, with Hamilton having posted the fastest time in FP2. Many suggest that Ferrari’s performance figures were influenced by lighter fuel loads at the start of the weekend, which often skew pace comparisons. Despite that, expectations were high for Ferrari to place both cars into Q3, aiming to maintain pressure on their rivals in the battle for second place in the constructors’ championship.
Contrary to predictions, Hamilton, representing the strong Ferrari outfit, failed to advance past Q2. Given the irregularities Hamilton has experienced in qualifying recently, this result intensified the online backlash. Fans expressed their disappointment and questions about his form with comments such as:
“Ye he’s washed!! This just proves it.”
“I mean Leclerc ruined our first lap but he is bad for a while now, nobody to blame but himself,” one fan wrote.
“Disappointing as normal. Man Lewis just can’t catch a break can he?”
Other netizens shared their thoughts as well:
“Embarrassing yet again,” another netizen wrote.
“He’s so gone, I hope he retires before he ruins his legacy,” a third netizen shared.
Meanwhile, the race day grid will see Hamilton starting from 12th place unless unforeseen complications arise during the event.
Analyzing Hamilton’s Qualifying Challenges and Tire Strategy
Hamilton’s Q2 exit has been largely attributed to his tire choice during the session. While many of his competitors managed laps on medium tires, known for better temperature management, Hamilton was on softer tires that ultimately hindered his qualifying pace. This variation in tire strategy appears to have played a critical role in his inability to progress to Q3.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton shared his perspective on the situation, acknowledging the impact tire selection had on his performance:
“Honestly, so disappointed. Yesterday the car was feeling good; today, there was some direction we ended up going, which on paper looked like it was the best place for us to be. I mean, our pace had been good, we’ve been progressing, I was feeling really really on it; didn’t make any mistakes. Didn’t see down any exit roads, it was just that we didn’t have the right tyre on the end. Everyone ahead of me basically had the medium tyre on, but I lost a medium tire in FP2, and due to run plan schedules.”
This explanation sheds light on how Hamilton’s qualifying session became compromised despite good underlying pace and clean driving with no errors affecting his lap.
Ferrari’s Mixed Fortunes in Qualifying
While Hamilton’s exit in Q2 was unexpected, Ferrari’s difficulties extended beyond his own struggles. Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, experienced a harsh blow during Q3 after crashing into the barriers, abruptly ending his session and dashing hopes of securing strong grid positions for both team drivers.
These combined incidents for Ferrari impact the team’s ability to consolidate their position in the constructors’ battle, especially as rivals are closing the gap. Ferrari’s challenges in this qualifying session contrast with their early weekend pace, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing and the fine margins that determine success.
Implications for the Azerbaijan GP and Beyond
Hamilton starting from 12th place creates a challenging scenario for the seven-time world champion in Azerbaijan, a circuit where overtaking opportunities, while possible, require skill and strategic execution. This result adds pressure on Hamilton to recover ground during the race to defend his standing in the championship.
For Ferrari, the qualifying setbacks may necessitate an intensified strategic approach on race day to maximize points and maintain competitiveness in the constructors’ standings. Fans’ reactions reveal a mixture of disappointment and concern about Hamilton’s current form, though the race itself remains an opportunity for redemption.
As the Azerbaijan GP unfolds, attention will focus on whether Hamilton can overcome this setback to produce a strong race performance and how Ferrari addresses the mixed fortunes of their drivers. The session’s events underscore both the volatility of Formula 1 qualifying and the ever-present challenges that even top drivers face under pressure.
I mean Leclerc ruined our first lap but he is bad for a while now, nobody to blame but himself.
— AndyBendy (@AndyBendy2) September 20, 2025
Gutted 😥
— Aston Orsborn (@astonorsborn338) September 20, 2025
Embarrassing yet again
— GoldenBoy (@DTGoldenBoyy) September 20, 2025
He’s so gone, I hope he retires before he ruins his legacy
— Liam Ridley (@Liam_Ridley16) September 20, 2025
