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SAO PAULO (AFP) –
British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton (top L) leads the Brazil F1 GP first lap at the S of Senna during the Brazil F1 GP at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Hamilton blasted Nico Hulkenberg on Sunday after the Force India driver sent the former world champion crashing out of the Brazilian Grand Prix on his final day behind the wheel of a McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton blasted Nico Hulkenberg on Sunday after the Force India driver sent the former world champion crashing out of the Brazilian Grand Prix on his final day behind the wheel of a McLaren.
The 25-year-old German lost control as he attempted to squeeze into the lead on lap 55 of the 71-lap race and rammed into Hamilton’s McLaren.
Hamilton’s car was damaged beyond immediate repair and, after returning to the garage, he was greeted with a standing ovation by the team, mindful that he had given his all in his final race with them before joining Mercedes in 2013.
Hamilton said he was not impressed that Hulkenberg had not apologised in the aftermath of a tumultuous contest won by Jenson Button in the second McLaren as Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull finished sixth to become the youngest triple champion in the sport’s history.
“The dude did not even come and say sorry,” fumed Hamilton, who had started on pole. “That is what happens when you are racing with the less experienced.”
Hulkenberg, who had led the incident-packed race at one stage, managed to continue and finished fifth.
Looking at the race overall, Hamilton added: “Big congratulations to Jenson and Sebastian. They both did a fantastic job.”
“I am happy for the team that we got a win and feeling good for the future. I feel numb, it is mixed emotions at the moment.
“Sad that we were leading and I didn’t get to see through the race and also that I am leaving. But I am excited for the future and hopefully I will have a little bit of luck at some stage.”
Hulkenburg shrugged off the clash.
“I felt comfortable but eventually I made a small mistake and Lewis got ahead of me. I managed to stay with him and was fighting to get the lead back when we touched,” he said.
“It’s hard to say what happened but I was making a move going into turn one and had a slightly loose rear. I was about to turn in and suddenly there was contact.
“It’s a shame for both of us because we were having a great battle. I managed to keep going but I had lost a lot of time. Fifth place is still a super result to end the season and I think the team did an excellent job this weekend.
“It’s a nice leaving present in my last race.”
