Zandvoort — Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, issued an apology for an expletive-laced radio rant directed at his Mercedes team after his dreams of winning the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday were dashed.
The Briton led until a late safety car period left him defending on slower tyres than his opponents, allowing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to claim the victory at home.
Hamilton finished fourth, while teammate George Russell placed second.
“I was on the verge of emotional breakdown, and I apologize to the squad because I don’t even remember what I said; I just lost it for a second,” he stated on Sky Sports television.
“However, I believe they are aware that there is so much enthusiasm, and I choose to view the situation positively.”
Hamilton has won a race in every season he has contested since making his debut in 2007, but that streak is in jeopardy of coming to an end as Verstappen cruises to his second title with 10 wins in 15 races.
Even though Verstappen had begun on pole position in front of his home audience, Mercedes perceived that Zandvoort presented a legitimate opportunity.
“I had high hopes that we would finish 1-2 as a team,” Hamilton added, noting that he had not won since Saudi Arabia in December.
“It was finally within reach, but the safety car proved to be a major hindrance.
Without the safety car, I believe we could have challenged Red Bull for the win on a single pit stop, something I don’t believe the other drivers could have done.
Team manager Toto Wolff stated that he understood why Hamilton was so unhappy.
“You get emotional. “I do too in the race, and when you’re the driver in the car, you can’t even contain it,” he remarked.
“We (the team) are the trash can and sick bag on the plane, and we are taking everything because we must.” That has always been the case in the relationship between an irritated driver and the pit wall.”
Reuters