Hamilton and Mercedes in shock qualifying woe

Lewis Hamiton has suffered a shock early exit at the Australian Grand Prix, dropping out of the session in Q2.

The seven-time World Champion had been struggling for pace throughout the weekend in Albert Park, as he battled his car during Friday practice.

However, matters looked more promising after FP3 when the Mercedes driver classified in fourth place.

But Hamilton's woes sunk further during qualifying, at a circuit where he has claimed pole position on eight occasions.

Hamilton originally appeared to be safe inside the top 10 before a last-gasp effort by Aston Martin's Lance Stroll at the end of Q2 demoted him to 11th place.

The 39-year-old is set to share the sixth row of the grid for the start of Sunday's race with Williams' Alex Albon.