Lewis Hamilton 'gutted' by Mercedes struggles after grinding to a point at Saudi Arabia GP


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Lewis Hamilton admitted that Mercedes' early season struggles are "gutting" after grinding his way to a point at the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday.

The sport's most successful driver with 103 wins, seven-time world champion Hamilton was heard asking his engineer if his 10th-place finish offered any reward, as he found himself racing in unfamiliar territory on his return to the track at which he claimed his most recent win last December.

"Right now we’re not fighting for the top step as you know, we’re so far off the guys up ahead," he told reporters after driving in his 180th race for Mercedes, a new record for a driver with one constructor.

"We’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s gutting but we’ll keep working hard and keep fighting."

Once dominant-Mercedes, who are still hoping to clinch a record extending ninth-straight constructors' title, have been wrong footed by Formula One's radical rules overhaul.

They are second behind a resurgent Ferrari in the overall standings, but old rivals Red Bull, who drew a blank in Bahrain, are now just one point behind following world champion Max Verstappen's first win of the season at the Jeddah Corniche track on Sunday.

Hamilton lined up 15th on the grid after failing even to make it past the first phase of qualifying on Saturday for the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2017. He progressed up the field on Sunday and ran as high as sixth behind teammate George Russell.

Russell stayed fifth but Hamilton was unfortunate not to be able to pit under a late race virtual safety car (VSC).

"The race was going relatively well on the hard tyre, was keeping up with George, putting in some decent times considering how old the tyres were," said Hamilton, who is fifth in the overall standings 29 points off Ferrari's championship leader Charles Leclerc after just two races.

"The strategy, I don’t know that or VSC, but we lost out so much."

Studying addiction

This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.

Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.

The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.

The 100 Best Novels in Translation
Boyd Tonkin, Galileo Press

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Fresh faces in UAE side

Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.

Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.

Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.

Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.

Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.

UAE's final round of matches
  • Sep 1, 2016 Beat Japan 2-1 (away)
  • Sep 6, 2016 Lost to Australia 1-0 (home)
  • Oct 6, 2016 Beat Thailand 3-1 (home)
  • Oct 11, 2016 Lost to Saudi Arabia 3-0 (away)
  • Nov 15, 2016 Beat Iraq 2-0 (home)
  • Mar 23, 2017 Lost to Japan 2-0 (home)
  • Mar 28, 2017 Lost to Australia 2-0 (away)
  • June 13, 2017 Drew 1-1 with Thailand (away)
  • Aug 29, 2017 v Saudi Arabia (home)
  • Sep 5, 2017 v Iraq (away)
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Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)

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Updated: March 28, 2022, 7:50 AM