Lewis Hamilton accepts blame for Alonso crash
Monday, 29 August 2022
The seven-time World Champion was sent airborne.
Lewis Hamilton declared he was "grateful to still be alive" after crashing out of the Belgian Grand Prix following a collision with Fernando Alonso, as he took responsibility for the incident.
Hamilton was sent airborne when he hit former McLaren teammate Alonso when approaching the Les Combes chicane on Sunday, suffering damage that ended his own race.
The incident sparked a furious reaction from Alonso, who was heard to exclaim: "What an idiot. We had a mega start, but this guy only knows how to drive and start in first."
While Alonso went on to finish fifth for Alpine, Hamilton's retirement ended a strong run of form for the seven-time champion, who had previously posted five consecutive podium finishes in the Mercedes.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton expressed relief at walking away from the incident unharmed, telling Sky Sports: "Looking back, he was in my blind spot, I didn't give him enough space. It is my fault. I could not see him.
"I'm just so sorry to the team and I need to recuperate and get back on the treadmill.
"I remember looking at the ground, it was definitely high up. I'm grateful to still be alive and in shape."
Hamilton and Alonso had an intense rivalry when racing alongside one another with McLaren, and the 37-year-old Briton revealed he was irritated by the Spaniard's reaction to the crash.
Asked whether he would be speaking to Alonso after hearing of his radio message, Hamilton said: "No. I would have, until I heard what he said.
"I know that's how things feel in the heat of the moment, but it's nice to know how he feels about me.
"It's better that it's out in the open how he feels and, like I said, it wasn't intentional, and I take responsibility for it – that's what adults do."
Alonso played down the comments after securing his joint-highest finish of the season.
"I was surprised, and he's now seen the incident and takes responsibility, which is very nice from him," Alonso said.
"It was a lap-one incident and nothing really to say there. The stewards didn't say anything because these things happen, especially at that corner.
"It's a tricky corner – I was frustrated in that moment, for sure. Every time we start on the first or second row, or are fighting in the top two or three, there is always something going on and I was frustrated.
"Luckily, my car was very strong, and I could continue."
Leaving Spa unsatisfied. But fired up to keep working hard and keep improving. pic.twitter.com/dntN9EV8Xr
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 28, 2022
