03 June 2023 , 16:25
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Lewis Hamilton chose not to criticise George Russell publicly after the Mercedes pair collided during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.
It was during Q2 that the two Brits made contact as they approached a corner. Russell had the inside line but did not leave enough track for Hamilton, who was forced partly onto the grass and lost his front wing endplate in contact with the other Mercedes.
"That's really dangerous. I might have some damage on the car," said the unimpressed seven-time world champion. But he had the last laugh as he made it through to Q3 and went fifth fastest in that final part of the session while Russell could manage only 12th on the timesheets.
Perhaps that was why he calmly skated over the incident after the session. "The car didn't feel massively different," he said. "Afterwards, the car was pulling to the right. It was just a miscommunication thing. On the lap it was feeling okay so hopefully it will be alright."
Speaking on Sky Sports after the session, Hamilton's old team-mate Nico Rosberg felt he was just as much to blame for the contact was Russell was. He said: "So George apologised, which I think is right, but I think Lewis also needs to apologise.
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collided during qualifying in Barcelona (Sky Sports)"If Lewis goes through, George's lap is done because Lewis is right in front and then George will be stuck behind him and his lap will be ruined and it's his last try to get into Q3. So also Lewis will need to apologise later on."
Hamilton has often been downbeat about his car this season, but had a different demeanour after this session. He offered some insight that his team's upgrades seem to be doing the trick as he declared he was "absolutely shocked" about how competitive he was able to be.
Russell admitted he didn't even know Hamilton was there (Sky Sports)He said: "A real surprise to see us so far up front and competing, ultimately, for the front row. We did some great work overnight with the analysis and I was here until 11pm last night trying to figure out where we can find the time. I knew when I woke up this morning I was one a mission but I definitely didn't expect us to be fighting for the front row.
"The car really came alive today. A big thank you to everyone back at the factory because it's showing that we are progressing which I'm so grateful to see. And I really enjoyed driving the car today. It was front row all the way to turn 10 but when I got on the power there was a snap of oversteer and that's where I lost two tenths. But I'm more encouraged to see the car where it is and hopefully we can progress forwards."