Hamilton only got the 16th time while only the first 15 qualified for Q2.
This is the first time since the Brazilian GP in 2017 that the British driver has been eliminated in Q1.
"I had absolutely no rear axle for some reason, so I suffered a lot to pass the turns", explained the 37-year-old Briton to the microphone of Canal Plus.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, March 26, 2022, before the 3rd free practice session of the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Jeddah circuit ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP
Asked about his state of mind after the attack on an oil facility near the Jeddah circuit on Friday, the seven-time world champion replied that he was "can't wait to get home" without saying more.
Having overcome the concerns of the pilots, the governing bodies of Formula 1 reconfirmed on Saturday the maintenance of the second Grand Prix of the season, the day after this attack by the Yemeni rebels Houthis.
The attack in Jeddah is part of a wave claimed by the Houthis on Friday, on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the intervention of the military coalition led by Riyadh in Yemen, to support the government against rebels close to Iran.
An oil site on fire on March 25, 2022 near the Jeddah circuit, where the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place this weekend - AFP
It caused a gigantic fire and a cloud of black smoke visible from the circuit during free practice 1 at 17:00 (15:00).
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