Lewis Hamilton has apologized to Mercedes after the seven-time Formula One world champion crashed something into the crowd in qualifying for Saturday’s Austrian Grand Prix sprint.
The Briton, whose teammate George Russell also crashed in the final leg of qualifying at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring on Friday, will start 10th.
F1: Max Verstappen Takes Pole for Austrian Grand Prix Sprint Race
The sprint, with Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen on pole, sets the grid for Sunday’s grand prix and also awards championship points.
“It was a big hit but I am fine,” Hamilton told Formula One television.
“Ultimately, I am incredibly disappointed in myself, and very sorry for the team. Everyone works very hard to put this car together and I never like to bring it back damaged.
“I think we were fighting for the top three, and I don’t have an answer. I lost the rear end in turn seven and that was it.
Hamilton said he was otherwise encouraged by the car’s performance, and hoped to be able to make some space on Saturday.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, whose driver has been battling a bouncing car for the first half of the season, said neither should beat himself up.
“We have given them a car that was not worth 10 races in a row and now we are starting to come to terms and we are able to drive in front and then it may happen that you lose the car,” he added.
“I should have a faster car and then have this kind of aptitude rather than not having the pace to be in the top four.”
Addressing the reaction of the crowd at the Red Bull-owned circuit and accompanied by an army of Verstappen fans, Wolff said it was wrong.
“The only thing we need to talk to the fans is that when a car is in a wall, or a driver who gives an interview, we’re not going to do that to our competitors and foes, even though you might think we have There will be some animosity,” he said.
“Nobody really should be doing this, we need to collectively educate people.”
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