LAS VEGAS - Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton suffered a new low in what he said was his hardest year in Formula One after qualifying last at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday.

The seven-times world champion was left ruing a "horrible" qualifying session in soaking conditions and resigned himself to starting from the back of the grid for Saturday night's race.

Hamilton, who had looked competitive in final practice, said the car was performing well earlier in the day and believed he had the pace for a strong result before the weather turned.