Lewis Hamilton has crashed out of the US Grand Prix in the first three laps after he suffered a torrid qualification session that left him at the back of the grid

Lewis Hamilton has crashed out of the US Grand Prix.

Hamilton, 39, spun out onto the gravel during a chaotic start to proceedings on Sunday evening. It was the first time Hamilton has failed to finish a race in Austin as his car had to be retrieved from the deep gravel.

The Brit had started from 17th on the grid after he suffered one of his worst ever qualification sessions at the Circuit of the Americas. While Hamilton’s team-mate, George Russell, was forced to start from the pit lane after he smashed his car into the wall during the final session.

“Sorry, guys,” a heartbroken Hamilton said over his radio as fans chanted his name. “This has to be Hamilton’s worst race weekend for a long time,” one fan admitted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“It’s over for Hamilton… this is possibly the worst weekend for Mercedes in a long time,” a second added. While a third posted: “Eventful first few laps for Lewis. A weekend to forget for the seven time champ!”

For all of Hamilton’s woes at the back of the pack, there were fireworks on the first corner at the front. Lando Norris started the evening on poll, closely followed by title rival Max Verstappen.

However, coming out of the first turn, it was Charles Leclerc that came out in pole position. It was a nightmare start for Norris, who failed to cover Verstappen down the inside, allowing the Dutchman through.

But even Verstappen couldn’t stop Leclerc, who was on a charge, from coming through to take the lead. The Monegasque star was then able to capitalise on the safety car caused by Hamilton to extend his lead ahead of the defending World Champion.