Key Highlights
- Lewis Hamilton qualified last for the Las Vegas Grand Prix after claiming he saw a red light as he crossed the finish line.
- Experts analyzed Hamilton’s decision and suggested he made a mistake in not attempting another flying lap, despite crossing the timing line first.
- The controversy comes amid wet conditions during Q1 of the qualifying session.
Lewis Hamilton’s Controversial Last Place Qualification: A Closer Look
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Lewis Hamilton found himself in a predicament that many Formula One drivers dread—the bottom of the qualifying timesheet. Hamilton qualified last for Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix after claiming he saw red lights as he approached the finish line during Q1.
Hamilton’s Claims and the Timing Data
HAMILTON claimed that “the light was red” when he crossed the finish line, indicating to his team that he hadn’t reached the timing line in time to attempt another flying lap. However, according to onboard footage and timing data, it became evident that Hamilton had already crossed the chequered line before the Q1 clock ticked to zero.
ANTHONY DAVIDSON, a Sky Sports F1 expert, explained: “He gets to the chequered line, which is the timing line, and the green lights are still there. He’s saying he’s seen red lights.
He was carrying speed but when he gets to the timing line he’s 100 per cent good to go. He’s good to send it and do another lap.”
DAVIDSON went on to add, “As he passes the line it immediately goes red. It’s very hard to judge at the speeds you’re doing inside the car, but he did cross the line to open up a new lap before the red lights came on.”
The Pit Wall and Driver’s Decision
HAMILTON was given clear information from his race engineer that it would be tight during the qualifying session. However, as Hamilton reached the timing line, he received a mixed message. He asked if he was safe to continue, and was told to keep pushing despite the red lights appearing shortly after.
BERNIE COLLINS, another Sky Sports F1 analyst, reflected on the situation: “At that stage it’s too late.
He was given, before he got to the line, the information that it was going to be tight and he needed to keep pushing. Then when he got the red light he assumed maybe Ferrari had got the timing slightly wrong or he didn’t make the flag or whatever. There was a lot going on.”
While Hamilton did receive further instructions from his race engineer, he chose to lift off as soon as he saw the red lights, making it too late to attempt another lap.
The Driver’s Own Perspective
HAMILTON expressed disappointment after the qualifying session. He claimed that despite his best efforts, he lacked the grip necessary to improve his starting position: “I didn’t have the grip anyway,” he said. “So I don’t think it would have made much difference.”
The Broader Implications for Hamilton and Ferrari
This incident highlights the intense pressure and complex decision-making required during qualifying sessions, especially in challenging conditions like those faced on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The controversy adds to the ongoing narrative of how Formula One teams must balance speed with safety and strategy.
While this specific instance may not directly impact Hamilton’s race performance, it serves as a reminder of the crucial decisions drivers face during qualifying and the importance of clear communication between driver and team.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will air live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event at 4am on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Fans are encouraged to tune in for a thrilling race that could see many drivers making up ground from their qualifying positions.
