Lewis Hamilton has blasted his teammate George Russell over a “really dangerous” incident during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The situation occurred towards the end of Q2 when both British drivers were vying to complete their final flying laps.
Russell, utilising the Drag Reduction System (DRS), found himself in close proximity to Hamilton, who was benefiting from a slipstream behind his teammate.
However, Russell failed to provide sufficient room for his teammate on the track, resulting in Hamilton being forced onto the grass.
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The close encounter also resulted in contact between the two, causing significant damage as the right front wing endplate was ripped off Hamilton’s Mercedes.
Hamilton promptly conveyed his frustration over the team radio, highlighting the potential danger of the situation and the impact it had on his car.
“George just backed off. That’s really dangerous. I might have some damage on the car,” Hamilton said.
Fortunately for Hamilton, his previous lap times had secured his spot in Q3, giving him time to receive a front wing replacement for the final segment of qualifying.
On the other hand, Russell, who expressed remorse over the radio, was not as fortunate, only managing to secure the twelfth fastest time.
The incident highlights the intense competition and high stakes present in Formula 1 racing, as Hamilton and Russell share a common goal of representing Mercedes and achieving success on the track.
However, instances like these reveal the inherent rivalry that can emerge within a team setting. With both drivers pushing the limits to gain an advantage, misjudgments and collisions become more likely, potentially leading to costly consequences for the team as a whole.
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As the qualifying session concluded, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect the dynamic between Hamilton and Russell going forward. The team will undoubtedly address the matter internally, emphasising the importance of cooperation and mutual respect to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming race, where Hamilton and Russell will aim to put this incident behind them and work together to secure a successful outcome for the Mercedes team.
As the championship battle continues, both drivers will need to find a balance between fierce competition and teamwork, ultimately striving to contribute to the team’s overall success on the Formula 1 circuit.