LEWIS HAMILTON has issued a grovelling apology after crashing into team-mate George Russell at the start of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The F1 ace, 38, was attempting to skirt around the outside of Russell at turn one of the opening lap after a better getaway off the line.
However, Russell was sandwiched between Hamilton on his left and eventual race winner Max Verstappen on his right.
As Hamilton swung his car into the corner he failed to leave adequate room for both to make the turn, causing both to spin off after Russell tagged Hamilton's right rear tyre.
The crash saw the seven-time champion's race finished then and there as his tyre flew off, while Russell managed to get his car back into the race and finish a respectable P4.
Following the race, Hamilton took to social media to apologise to both his Mercedes team and team-mate.
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He said: "I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George."
A visibly frustrated Hamilton later added: "Yeah, obviously gutting and massive apology to everyone back at the factory.
"It was probably just a racing incident but I take full responsibility. I don't think George had anywhere to go."
Asked if he would do anything different after his strong initial getaway, he replied: "It's always in hindsight you do things differently."
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Despite the loss of a potential double podium given the Mercedes' pace over the weekend, Russell shared a video of himself and Hamilton hugging it out after the race.
He captioned his post: "No hard feelings. We’re here to fight and maximise for the team.
"We misjudged it today, but our car was exceptionally strong and I’m proud of the whole team. Time to regroup and continue building off the strong pace in Austin."
The Qatar race saw a number of drivers feeling under the weather due to the 44-plus degrees Celsius heat at the Losail Circuit in Doha.
Alpine star Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet MID-RACE, while Williams pair Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant both needed help climbing from their cars.
Lance Stroll also took himself to an ambulance following the race fearing dehydration.
Verstappen wrapped up the driver's title – his third in a row – in Saturday's sprint race.
Hamilton is still in the running for P2 in the driver's table, with 30 points the difference between himself and Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.
F1 heads to Texas, United States, for its next race in two weeks' time.
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