Lewis Hamilton crashes out of the Qatar Grand Prix on the first corner after colliding with team-mate George Russell… as tensions reach boiling point between Mercedes drivers before veteran accepts it was his fault
- Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide on first corner of Qatar race
- The Mercedes duo both went into the gravel with Hamilton’s right tire bursting
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George Russell was furious after Lewis Hamilton collided with him during a reckless skirmish between Mercedes and Mercedes at the start of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Russell had nowhere to go as the seven-time world champion, resuming his place in third, asserted his rights on the outside of the first right-hander and saw his right rear wheel mark the left front of Russell.
Hamilton spun into the gravel, his race over. Russell went into the pits for repairs and continued en route to a fourth place finish.
To Russell’s right, at the point of impact, was eventual winner and new champion Max Verstappen, so he was parked. Hamilton, on the other hand, could have given Russell more space. Asked if he was okay before getting out of his stranded car, Hamilton replied: “Yes, I was knocked out by my own teammate.”
Russell, rightly, saw things differently. “Holy shit,” he shouted. ‘Come on! What the hell! I have damage.
Lewis Hamilton collides with George Russell in the first corner of the Qatar Grand Prix
The two Mercedes drivers collided early in the race and ended Hamilton’s night
Both cars entered the gravel when Hamilton’s right tire blew during the collision with Russell.
Referring to Hamilton baring his teeth during a close fight in Japan a fortnight ago, Russell added: “Guys, come on, f*** it, two races in a row.
“I can’t find the words, honestly. I just saw the replays on the TV screen. I could not do anything. I was sandwiched.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff came on the radio from his home in Monaco, where he is resting after knee surgery. “George,” Wolff implored. “Let’s make it the best we can.”
Later, Hamilton (below) understood, the adrenaline blinders having worn off his eyes. “I watched the replay and it was 100 percent my fault,” he said. “My apologies to my team and George. »
Wolff’s absence can hardly be conducive to good order, whatever they claim. Despite the turbulence, Hamilton insisted: “The relationship with George is not broken. I have no problem.
Hamilton can only watch incident as tensions rise further at Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton shows his disappointment following the collision with his teammate
Hamilton accepted full responsibility for the accident in a message on X after the race ended
Verstappen, who sealed his third straight title in the sprint race on Saturday, navigated such stifling humidity in the Turkish bath that Russell revealed he was on the verge of passing out. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll then fell to the ground in the paddock. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon vomited mid-race and Williams’ Alex Albon was treated for heat exposure.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished an impressive second, one place ahead of teammate Lando Norris but five seconds behind the unflappable Verstappen, whose record now stands at 14 wins in 17 races. The Dutchman also set the fastest lap.
The race was stopped due to the impact on tire integrity at turns 12 and 13. The FIA imposed a minimum of three stops as a precaution.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz didn’t even start, afflicted like his red car by a fuel system failure.