‘Really sorry’ Hamilton takes responsibility for dramatic Russell collision
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The seven-time world champion was taken out after making contact with Russell as he attempted to challenge for the lead after making a fast start on soft tyres. Running three-wide with Russell and Max Verstappen, Hamilton tried to sweep around the outside of his teammate but the pair tagged each other. Hamilton lost a wheel and was sent spinning through the gravel and into retirement, while Russell was able to continue. Asked if he had seen the incident back, a visibly downcast Hamilton told Sky: “No.“I just feel really sorry to the team. It was an opportunity today to get some good points. “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…”The Mercedes duo appeared to blame each other in the immediate aftermath of the clash as they complained on team radio. Hamilton said he will be supporting Russell from the sidelines and hopes he can salvage a decent result. Related Disaster for Mercedes as Hamilton wiped out in first-lap with Russell Engine issue forces Sainz out of Qatar GP before start “Everyone is working incredibly hard so it’s massively gutting to have a result like this,” he added. “You are preparing, putting the time in. It’s very rare that this happens.“I hope George is able to get back into the points today. I’ll be supporting him.”The stewards have confirmed the incident will be investigated after the race.
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