SIR LEWIS HAMILTON was slammed as an “fool” after a first-lap smash with outdated rival Fernando Alonso despatched him crashing out of the Belgian GP.
Hamilton was launched into the air after making contact with Alonso’s Alpine and got here again to the bottom with an enormous thud.
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Max Verstappen gained in Belgium for the second 12 months operatingCredit: Alamy
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Sir Lewis Hamilton crashed out within the first lapCredit: Reuters
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Hamilton was despatched into the air after colliding with Fernando AlonsoCredit: AFP
The seven-time world champion had come into the weekend all smiles and stuffed with confidence that he’d be capable of finish his duck for the season.
But after qualifying a WHOPPING 1.8 seconds behind Max Verstappen, who gained the race regardless of beginning in 14th place, Hamilton took full blame for his race-ending error.
He stated: “Looking again on the footage, he was in blind spot and I simply did not see it. It was my fault.”
Alonso blasted Hamilton over the radio because the Spaniard was squeezed out at Les Combes when the Brit was seeking to transfer into second place.
Alonso stated: “He hit me! What an fool! This man solely is aware of drive when beginning first!”
Hamilton, who was instantly advised to retire his automotive, later dismissed Alonso’s criticism and stated he’s grateful to be alive.
He added: “It does not actually matter what he stated.
“Like I stated, it was my fault. I could not see him really. So he was like proper in my blind spot.
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“I keep in mind wanting on the floor, it was positively excessive up. I’m grateful to be nonetheless alive and in form.
“I may hear one thing’s damaged within the gearbox. Coming down I’d have damaged a lot within the again finish, so I used to be advised to cease.
“But clearly in that second, you are hopeful you may hold going.”
Hamilton lower a dejected determine and trudged his approach again to the pits after his wretched weekend at Spa got here to an abrupt finish.
And whereas he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the stewards for the crash, he was given a warning for failing to go to the medical centre for a routine test after such a hefty collision.
A report from the FIA stated the 37-year-old solely went for the routine test after they threatened punishment.
An announcement stated: “The Stewards acquired a report from the Race Director that driver Hamilton refused to go to the Medical Service following his crash on lap one the place the Medical Warning Light threshold was exceeded.
“He solely did so after the Race Director knowledgeable the workforce that additional motion could possibly be taken if he didn’t.
“The Stewards situation a warning on this case, with a reminder to all drivers that stronger motion could also be taken sooner or later.”
