LEWIS HAMILTON has issued a grovelling apology after crashing into team-mate George Russell at the beginning of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The F1 ace, 38, was trying to skirt across the exterior of Russell at flip one of many opening lap after a greater getaway off the road.
Lewis Hamilton apologised for his collision with George RussellCredit score: Rex
Hamilton had tried to get round Russell however ended up spinning each of them off the observeCredit score: Getty
Hamilton’s rear tyre flew off and his race was completed after only one flipCredit score: Rex
Nonetheless, Russell was sandwiched between Hamilton on his left and eventual race winner Max Verstappen on his proper.
As Hamilton swung his automotive into the nook he failed to go away sufficient room for each to make the flip, inflicting each to spin off after Russell tagged Hamilton’s proper rear tyre.
The crash noticed the seven-time champion’s race completed then and there as his tyre flew off, whereas Russell managed to get his automotive again into the race and end a decent P4.
Following the race, Hamilton took to social media to apologise to each his Mercedes crew and team-mate.
He mentioned: “I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full duty. Apologies to my crew and to George.”
A visibly pissed off Hamilton later added: “Yeah, clearly gutting and big apology to everybody again on the manufacturing unit.
“It was most likely only a racing incident however I take full duty. I don’t suppose George had wherever to go.”
Requested if he would do something completely different after his sturdy preliminary getaway, he replied: “It’s all the time in hindsight you do issues in another way.”
Regardless of the lack of a possible double podium given the Mercedes’ tempo over the weekend, Russell shared a video of himself and Hamilton hugging it out after the race.
He captioned his put up: “No arduous emotions. We’re right here to battle and maximise for the crew.
“We misjudged it right this moment, however our automotive was exceptionally sturdy and I’m pleased with the entire crew. Time to regroup and proceed constructing off the sturdy tempo in Austin.”
The Qatar race noticed quite a lot of drivers feeling beneath the climate because of the 44-plus levels Celsius warmth on the Losail Circuit in Doha.
Alpine star Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet MID-RACE, whereas Williams pair Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant each wanted assist climbing from their vehicles.
Lance Stroll additionally took himself to an ambulance following the race fearing dehydration.
Verstappen wrapped up the driving force’s title – his third in a row – in Saturday’s dash race.
Hamilton continues to be within the operating for P2 within the driver’s desk, with 30 factors the distinction between himself and Purple Bull driver Sergio Perez.
F1 heads to Texas, United States, for its subsequent race in two weeks’ time.
