Sir Lewis Hamilton has taken responsibility for the collision with Mercedes teammate George Russell during Sunday’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.
The two made contact during the opening lap at the Lusail International Circuit with Hamilton spinning into the gravel and retiring from the race.
Russell suffered damage but was able to change his front wing in the pits during the resultant safety car period that followed and finished the race in fourth place.
Hamilton stated he felt remorseful for his action that cost his team valuable points in the fight for second place in the constructors’ championship.
“I just feel really sorry to the team. It was an opportunity to get some good points,” the seven-time world champion said.
“In the heat of the moment I didn’t understand what happened, I just felt the tap from behind. But I don’t think George had anywhere to go.
“It was just one of those really unfortunate situations.
“I’m happy to take responsibility. I’m the older one, so…”
Hamilton took to social media afterwards to offer his apologies once again.
I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 8, 2023
“I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George,” he posted on X.
Russell rued Mercedes’ chance of making the podium after starting the race in second and third behind pole sitter and eventual race winner Max Verstappen. He however asserted that the collision was not intentional from Hamilton.
“We both had the possibility of standing on the podium,” he said.
“Obviously there was nothing intentional, both ways. These cars are so difficult to see, when you’re racing. There are big blind spots.
“We have so much respect for one another. We’ll get past this.”
Hamilton remains in third place in the drivers’ championship, 239 points behind newly-crowned champion Verstappen while Russell sits in eighth place.
Mercedes remain second in the constructors’ championship, 331 points behind confirmed champions Red Bull and 28 points ahead of Ferrari.
