P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton could not comprehend his luck as a loose bollard contributed to him going out in Q1 on his last Mercedes outing at F1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton showed promising form at the Yas Marina Circuit, ending all practice sessions in the top five, but a bollard incident in Q1 led to him qualifying in 18th place. Despite the setback, Hamilton maintained a positive attitude, focusing on gaining points in his last Mercedes race. He believed a podium finish was within reach had he advanced to Q3 like teammate George Russell. Hamilton expressed gratitude for the improved performance of his car during the weekend and remained optimistic for the future. Reflecting on his final race with Mercedes, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges of the season but looked forward to reuniting with his team in the future.