MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff was livid after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, calling Lewis Hamilton’s 16th place finish “totally unacceptable”. It was the first time Hamilton had been eliminated at the first stage since Brazil 2017, and his first without a crash since 2009. Initially it was unclear exactly why Hamilton was so far off the pace, with team-mate George Russell managing to qualify sixth. Wolff explained: “We tried something on Lewis’ car that did not work. Hamilton, who will start 15th in today’s race due to Mick Schumacher not taking part, said “so sorry guys” over the team radio after his Q1 elimination. Worryingly for Mercedes, those hoping to see Hamilton fight his way towards the front in today’s race may be disappointed.

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