Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari into the barriers during final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday, bringing the session to an early halt and adding another setback to a challenging weekend for the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton locked up at the final corner of Madrid’s new Madring circuit and went into the wall, damaging the front of his Ferrari and puncturing the front-right tyre. Despite the damage, the Briton attempted to drive the car back to the pitlane, ignoring an initial instruction from his team to stop.
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“Stop the car. Stop in the safest place possible,” Hamilton was told over team radio.
“If I can make it back I will. If not, I will do it safely,” Hamilton replied.
He eventually pulled over after making his way through most of a lap, with the front wing wedged underneath the car. Hamilton then returned to the pits on the back of a moped as the session was red-flagged.
A COSTLY MISTAKE
The crash came with just over half an hour remaining and interrupted what had been a promising session for Hamilton. He was fourth fastest at the time of the incident, with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc setting the pace.
The timing could hardly have been worse for Hamilton, with qualifying later on Saturday expected to be particularly important at the new Madrid circuit. Overtaking is likely to be difficult on the tight and demanding layout, putting added emphasis on securing a strong grid position.
The circuit has already proved unforgiving during its first Formula One weekend. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad became the first F1 driver to crash at the Madring during Friday practice, while Fernando Alonso also brushed the barriers in his Aston Martin.
Mercedes had shown strong pace on Friday, with George Russell topping the opening practice before teammate Kimi Antonelli went fastest in the second session. Ferrari remained close, with Leclerc and Hamilton among the leading runners.
QUALIFYING LOOMS LARGE
Antonelli, who leads the championship, has emerged as one of Hamilton’s key rivals this season. Hamilton sits third in the standings, 76 points behind the Mercedes driver, and will be keen to limit the damage in Madrid.
He had earlier described driving the new circuit as fun, but Saturday’s crash has given Ferrari a race against time to repair his car before qualifying.
With track position expected to be critical, Hamilton will hope the damage is manageable and that he can recover quickly from the incident to put himself in contention for Sunday’s race.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
