Hamilton delighted to have been able to restart after his mistake

In Imola this Sunday, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) went through all his emotions. Poleman, the seven-time world champion was surprised when the lights went out by Max Verstappen (Red Bull) before contact during the first braking damages its front wing.

Returning to second, the Englishman then increased his pace to catch up. Unfortunately a little too aggressive, Lewis Hamilton found himself in the gravel trap on the 33rd lap of the race.

Stopped for a few seconds, he was able to restart but far behind in the rankings. “ It wasn't my best day. This is the first time I've made a mistake in a long time but I'm very happy I was able to bring the car home “, he said first before giving a little more detail on this departure from the track.

The mistake? Rare from Hamilton 

The recovery? Classy, ​​determined, and skilful as ever #ImolaGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/sIZcfpT528

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021

« There was only one dry trajectory. I think I was in a hurry to catch up with the latecomers and ended up inside. When I noticed it was wet, I tried to brake but it was impossible and I found myself outside.

I wasn't lucky but I'm very happy to have been able to leave and score important points for the team ».

Starting 9th, Lewis Hamilton offered the reins of the championship to his rival Max Verstappen on a platter but as the race resumed, the Englishman did not have that in mind. “ I didn't think about that, admits the Mercedes driver. I was just trying to get over my disappointment after making this mistake by moving forward. I didn't know if I would then be able to overtake or not since there was only a dry trajectory. Finally, I had some great battles ».

Great battles which allowed him to limit the damage with an honorable second position only behind the winner of the day Max Verstappen. In addition, he retained the championship lead thanks to the additional point for the fastest lap in the race. All's well That ends well.

Find the analysis of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix by our experts in AUTOhebdo No. 2308 available from Monday in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.