Deflated Hamilton demands overnight changes: 'We'll get nowhere otherwise'

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Lewis Hamilton explains Q1 exited in qualifying for the United States GP
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Lewis Hamilton was dejected after failing to escape Q1 in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. Hamilton and Mercedes were among the favourites to secure pole position, but the British driver wasn't fast enough to get out of the first part. He asked his Mercedes team to make changes to what he called a 'nightmare' car ahead of Sunday's race.

Hamilton finished 19th fastest in qualifying, behind Sauber driver and former teammate Valtteri Bottas. The seven-time World Champion explains that a car issue during the sprint race forced changes between the sessions.

Hamilton's reaction to his Q1 exit in the United States

"In the sprint, we had some sort of failure from the formation lap on the front suspension and had that throughout the sprint race. That made the balance really difficult. We did change a couple of things. It was just in the direction of what we would have done yesterday," Hamilton explained to Sky Sports.

"The car was a nightmare in qualifying. Should probably start in pit lane, otherwise I won't be going anywhere. It's just a very inconsistent balance and no grip," Hamilton added, indicating that Mercedes will change the car during parc fermé conditions and take a penalty.