Lewis Hamilton did something noteworthy during his Austrian GP Q3 crash! The accident was unmissable as the Red Bull crowd cheered on after watching their team’s arch-rival thrashed into the wall. Notably, the conditions had become extremely windy on the track, with both Hamilton and George Russell falling victim to them.
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What a coincidence? That both Mercedes drivers suffered on Red Bull’s home ground. Moreover, both these crashes were extremely shocking and happened just minutes apart. However, before their race ended, Hamilton and Russell looked highly competitive, with the car having enough pace for a possible pole.
During the crash, Hamilton actually held on to his steering wheel. Strikingly, the steering wheel, if held during a crash, can violently flip around and cause a fracture. With an F1 car’s restricted space, the drivers would find it challenging to flop around their hands or hold something else.
Understandably, Hamilton’s move has not gone unnoticed by the fans. This could’ve been dangerous to the Briton. Notably, the crash happened sideways with enough impact that damaged his machinery gravely.
Further, several F1 fans have their theory regarding this incident (the wheel being held). Many believe that this is the most comfortable position for a driver during a crash, and also gives them a last-minute chance to save the car from a DNF. Further, the driver might feel particularly braced for an impact like this, also stabilizing their hands.
Lewis Hamilton expresses heavy disappointment after crash
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The seven-time world champion, however, was least bothered by any of it. The 37-year-old quickly noticed the car wreckage and tried making his way out of the cockpit. Feeling guilty, the driver said, “So sorry guys, so sorry to damage the car.”
Post-race the Mercedes driver expressed further disappointment in himself. He reflected, “Yeah, I am OK. It was a big hit but I am OK. I am incredibly disappointed in myself ultimately and so sorry to the team who worked so hard to put this car together and …”
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So, what are your thoughts? Can Hamilton end up on the podium in Austria?