For Lewis Hamilton, Friday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint qualifying concluded with a twist of irony that left him shaking his head but still flashing his trademark grin.
The seven-time world champion was knocked out in SQ2 at Interlagos, his final flying lap effort thwarted by none other than his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, whose spin in the second sector triggered double-waved yellow flags.
Hamilton, forced to ease off, crossed the finish line after the checkered flag had been waved and now faces starting the Sprint race from a frustrating 11th on the grid. But true to form, the Briton is keeping his spirits high, vowing to “have some fun” despite the setback.
‘It’s not for the lack of trying’
Ever the professional, Hamilton took the setback on the chin, though his frustration was barely disguised.
“Yeah, it [the yellow flag] definitely didn’t help, but it’s not for the lack of trying,” he said. “The team thought we were a lot faster than we are.
“We gave it everything and that’s ultimately what matters most, we were just not quick enough.”
©Ferrari
It’s been a recurring theme in Hamilton’s season – a blend of misfortune, mixed pace, and moments where even his immense skill can’t quite bridge the gap.
After an investigation for allegedly driving too quickly under the same yellow flags (from Leclerc’s spin, no less), the stewards eventually let him off the hook with a mere reprimand.
Hamilton, meanwhile, is keeping perspective as the season winds down.
“It’s hard to say that when you’re out in Q2,” he admitted. “We’re working hard and there’s not much more I can do. It is what it is.
“I am 11th now. I will just have to have some fun from there. At this point, it’s just about having fun because it’s not going well from my side, my year. I just have to enjoy it wherever I am.”
That “have some fun” mantra might not sound like typical title-fight Hamilton, but after a season riddled with frustration, the Briton is clearly focused on ending 2025 with some smiles, even if the silverware stays out of reach.
Leclerc’s Struggles and Ferrari’s Pace Woes
Leclerc, the unwitting architect of Hamilton’s qualifying woes, didn’t exactly bask in glory either. The Monegasque driver limped to eighth on the grid, admitting Ferrari’s pace was simply off the mark at Interlagos.
“I am not happy. The car was very slow today,” Leclerc said candidly. “It didn’t feel that bad but we’re slow. We’ve got something to work on and to try and improve for tomorrow.”
©Ferrari
His own SQ3 effort was hampered by a glitch – a rejected upshift on the final straight that cost him precious time.
“Unfortunately, my lap in SQ3, the first one was pretty good. I had a rejected upshift in the last straight so it cost me a tenth and a half. It wouldn’t have been much better - maybe P7. A tough weekend so far,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Leclerc remained pragmatic, dismissing major setup issues but hinting at tweaks to come.
“Nothing makes me think we are out of place in terms of setup. I will try something. Whether it’s going to be better or worse I am not sure.”
For both Hamilton and Leclerc, Interlagos has become an exercise in damage limitation – a test of patience as much as performance.
But with two of Formula 1’s fiercest competitors stuck in midfield traffic for Saturday’s Sprint, fans can at least look forward to some classic elbows-out action. And if Hamilton’s words are anything to go by, he’s planning to make the most of it.
After all, when fortune won’t play ball, sometimes all you can do – especially in Brazil – is have some fun.
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