Lewis Hamilton's reaction on Mercedes team radio after finishing 16th in qualifying for Saudi GP

It was a qualifying to forget for Lewis Hamilton in Saudi Arabia and his radio message shows it.

The Briton had been struggling for pace all weekend, along with teammate George Russell, but to say people were shocked about his Q1 exit would be an understatement.

It’s the first time since Hamilton crashed out of the Brazil Grand Prix in 2017 that he has failed to get into Q2. Yet, even more staggeringly, it’s the first time he has failed on sheer pace since the British Grand Prix of 2009, back in his McLaren days.

Having finished in 16th place overall, more than 1.2 seconds slower than the fastest lap his teammate could muster that secured him sixth spot, it was clear Hamilton was disconsolate with the result.

The simple message back to his senior race engineer Peter Bonnington after being informed of the result went: “So sorry guys.”

When asked in the paddock after about the difference in pace between him and his teammate, a gutted Hamilton suggested differing set-ups seem to be the problem.

“I don’t know how different the cars are set-up, but the car was undriveable with the set-up I chose,” explained Hamilton.

“But it’s my own fault, I made some set-up changes. I don’t know if that was everything to do with it, but it was very unstable. I don’t what I’m going to be able to do tomorrow, but I’m a long way back.”

He then suggested that starting from the pit-lane could be a more fruitful option, as it would allow his team to break parc-ferme conditions and change the set up of the car.

“I don’t know if starting where I am is going to be worth it,” stated Hamilton

“I just apologised to my team. Everyone works so hard and when you don’t deliver for them, it’s gutting.”

Tough words from a legend of the sport, but if there is