George Russell has accepted Lewis Hamilton’s apology after the veteran driver accepted responsibility for his crash at the start of Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.
The seven-time champion, starting on soft tyres, tried to overtake Russell and Max Verstappen – who were on average – but touched his Mercedes team-mate’s left front wheel and both cars left the road racing.
Russell was able to continue, from last place at the end of the first lap to finish fourth, but Hamilton’s race was over after just a few seconds.
The 38-year-old was initially quite upset with Russell, telling the team radio: “I got knocked down by my teammate”, but he calmed down when the dust settled and apologized to his teammate yourself on social networks. media.
I watched the replay and it was 100% my fault,” he wrote on X. “I take full responsibility for it.”
Hamilton later asked his teammate to apologize again after the race and the two even hugged each other. “I’m sorry about today,” Hamilton said as they kissed. ‘It’s not your fault. Wonderful trip
Russell also tried to hide it on social media, sharing a clip of their exchange and writing:
‘No strong emotions. We are here to fight and maximize our team’s advantages.
“We misjudged the situation today, but our car was exceptionally strong and I’m proud of the whole team. It’s time to regroup and continue growing at a rapid pace for Austin.
Speaking to the media, he added:
“I really appreciate him apologizing for this. In every event, two people participate.
Mercedes had discussed before the race that Hamilton, on faster tyres, might pass Russell at the start before making a pit stop after just eight laps, but this strategy was clearly unworkable.
We knew we had different tires and he told me:
“Let’s work together.” We are talking about working together,” Hamilton explained.
“It wasn’t our plan to get together. I’m really sad for the whole team and we’ve all worked so hard to get to this position, it’s really sad for everyone because of my role.
He continued:
“The relationship is not broken. I have no problem with George. We have a great relationship and we always talk about everything.
“It was really unfortunate and I’m sure he was very disappointed at the time, as was I. But we’ll talk offline and move forward.