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Lewis Hamilton says he takes accountability for a gap lap crash along with his teammate George Russell, in a Qatar Grand Prix which rapidly turned bitter for Mercedes.
Key factors:
The 2 Mercedes drivers collided on the opening lap, ending Lewis Hamilton’s raceAustralian Oscar Piastri achieved a career-best second placeMax Verstappen received his 14th grand prix of the season, after clinching the world title in Saturday’s dash
Newly minted world champion Max Verstappen took his 14th grand prix win of the 12 months, beating the McLaren pairing of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who completed second and third.
Mercedes had excessive hopes for the grand prix in Qatar, with Russell beginning second and Hamilton third.
A fast begin from each drivers had the pair pondering of difficult Verstappen for the lead on the first nook.
However as Hamilton tried to go across the outdoors of his teammate, his right-rear wheel hit the entrance left of Russell’s automotive, dislodging the wheel and sending Hamilton into the gravel.
A defeated Hamilton initially blamed his teammate over the staff radio.
“I acquired taken out by my very own teammate,” Hamilton mentioned.
Nevertheless, Hamilton mentioned he was pleased to take accountability for the crash when he spoke to the media because the race continued.
“I simply really feel actually sorry to my staff,” Hamilton mentioned.
“It was a chance right this moment to get some good factors and within the warmth of the second, I did not perceive what occurred, I simply felt the faucet from behind, however I do not assume George had anyplace to go.
“I’m pleased to take accountability.”
Russell spun through the collision and after a pit cease to alter his entrance wing, he was on the rear of the sector.
Each Mercedes drivers had a second on the earlier race in Japan, the place Russell was pushed off-track by Hamilton.
Russell referenced Japan amid his rising frustrations to his staff.
“What the hell? Guys, c’mon. Two races in a row,” Russell yelled into the radio.
“So sorry, guys. I wasn’t even wanting behind.
“I used to be simply centered forward and he simply got here from nowhere.
“Misplaced for phrases, truthfully. I’ve simply seen the replays on the TV display. I could not do something, completely sandwiched.”
Russell drove an excellent race after his early setback, weaving his means via the sector to take a well-earned fourth place.
Piastri finishes second, beats teammate to cap off tremendous weekend
Australian rookie Oscar Piastri has achieved his finest lead to a Formulation 1 grand prix, ending second in Qatar.
Piastri took his first victory in F1 the day earlier than, claiming the dash race in Qatar.
The McLaren driver began sixth however moved himself into second following the crash of the Mercedes drivers.
Piastri then drove a managed race which had extra pit stops than regular.
A concern of tyre degradation because of injury attributable to the kerbs on observe led to a mandate {that a} new set of tyres might do not more than 18 laps.
This mandate meant all drivers must full a minimum of three pit stops over the 57-lap race.
Piastri’s teammate Norris was closing in on the Australian within the closing laps.
However the McLaren staff informed Norris to carry place and never battle the Australian.
“Actually spectacular tempo, undoubtedly the toughest race I’ve ever had in my life,” Piastri mentioned.
“With the three [pit] stops, it was mainly flat out, so it was 57 qualifying laps.
The consequence means McLaren has achieved back-to-back double podiums, after ending second and third in Japan.
They’re now simply 11 factors behind Aston Martin within the battle for fourth within the constructors’ championship.
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