Lewis Hamilton has detailed that getting his tyres into the right operating window denied him a place in the top 10 shootout during qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Having been hit with an early exit during sprint qualifying on Friday, Hamilton entered Saturday's session hoping for an improved grid position.
However, the seven-time champion found himself eliminated at the end of Q2 as his final attempt was not enough to see him progress.
Hamilton is due to start the grand prix from 13th on the grid, while team-mate Charles Leclerc secured third.
Sharing details of his struggles, a visibly dejected Hamilton offered few words when assessing his day.
“I didn’t have any rear end. The tyres weren’t working today.
“The car set-up felt good, it was just how we prepared the tyres.”
When asked if he can see the possibility of a comeback result on Sunday, Hamilton replied: “I can’t do anything from there.”
Prior to Hamilton's elimination, team-mate Leclerc also appeared to be on the cusp of being eliminated before shooting himself to safety.
Speaking to Sky F1, racing driver Jamie Chadwick highlighted the performance difference between the Ferraris must be causing confusion for Hamilton.
"Both Ferraris looked like they were struggling and might have been knocked out of Q2, and then next thing you know, Charles pops it into P3,” she said.
"So, Lewis himself must be confused."
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