List of All Articles with Tag 'f1'

Ex-Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has admitted fraud after failing to declare more than £400million held in a trust in Singapore to the Government. The 92-year-old said “I plead guilty” at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday while standing in the well of the court wearing a dark suit and grey tie. On July 7, 2015, the billionaire failed to declare a trust in Singapore with a bank account containing around 650 million US dollars, worth about £400million at the time. The charge stated Ecclestone, who has three grown-up daughters, Deborah, Tamara and Petra, and a young son, Ace, had “established only a single trust, that being one in favour of your daughters, and other than the trust established for your daughters you were not the settlor nor beneficiary of any trust in or outside the UK”. Before his guilty plea, he had been due to face trial in November on the single fraud charge. The court heard Ecclestone had said “no” when asked by HMRC officers whether he had any links to any further trusts “in or outside the UK”. Prosecutor Richard Wright KC said: “That answer was untrue or misleading. “Mr Ecclestone knew his answer may have been untrue or misleading. “As of July 7, 2015, Mr Ecclestone did not know the truth of the position, so was not able to give an answer to the question. “Mr Ecclestone was not entirely clear on how ownership of the accounts in question were structured. “He therefore did not know whether it was liable for tax, interest or penalties in relation to amounts passing through the accounts. “Mr Ecclestone recognises it was wrong to answer the questions he did because it ran the risk that HMRC would not continue to investigate his affairs. “He now accepts that some tax is due in relation to these matters.” Read More FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists Formula 1 needs less races ahead of a record-breaking 2024 season – but more teams in wake of Andretti’s bid to become the 11th team on the grid. US-based Andretti, owned by Michael Andretti – the son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario, were the only prospective new team approved by the FIA to be a new outfit in F1 with the matter now in the hands of FOM (Formula One Management). Ben Sulayem, who took over as FIA chief at the start of last year and has caused controversy for his comments in relation to commercial rights holder F1 in the past, believes the sport should be looking to expand and says his “dream” is for 12 teams, the maximum amount currently allowed. “Saying no to a team which has been approved by the FIA [i.e. Andretti] – it’s very hard,” Ben Sulayem told Reuters. “The FIA should be asking, begging, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to come in. We should not just say no to them. “If you say: ‘What is my dream?’ It is to fill up the 12 [team slots] and to have one US team from an OEM and a [power unit] and a driver from there. And then go to China maybe and ask for the same thing and do it.” The current viewpoint within F1 towards a new team is believed to be lukewarm at best, due to financial concerns, though a thorough analysis will be undertaken. F1 will hold a record-breaking 24 races next season – up from 22 this year – with China and Imola returning after their cancellations in 2022. One issue mooted with more teams in the paddock has been space at traditional, older tracks like Zandvoort, but Ben Sulayem pointed towards the accommodation of Brad Pitt’s fictional Apex team for the F1-based Hollywood movie on the grid at times this season. “We are allowed to have 12 teams,” he added. “Some of the teams said ‘Oh, it will be crowded’. Really? We are already running a Hollywood team with us. “The circuits are supposed to have enough garages and space for 12 teams. I think the number of races is too much [rather] than the number of teams. We need more teams and fewer races. “The teams are looking at the piece of cake. I understand their worries but our worries are different.” Read More Aston Martin boss urges F1 to stick to 10 teams Andretti F1 team entry bid accepted by FIA What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes F1 reveal unique Las Vegas GP schedule and ‘opening ceremony’ plans Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar F1 driver Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during ‘horrible’ Qatar Grand Prix

Formula 1 has confirmed the schedule for the Las Vegas Grand Prix next month including a 10pm local start time for the race on Saturday night and an opening ceremony before cars are on track. F1 is returning to Sin City for the first time in over 40 years in November, with the 3.8 mile street track on the Vegas strip staging the penultimate race of the 2023 season in what is being billed as one of the sporting events of the year. Now, plans and timings have been confirmed by race organisers – with the race start time confirmed to be 10pm PST (6am GMT, 1am ET) under the lights on Saturday 18 November. The event schedule will start, rather uniquely, on a Wednesday night with a lavish opening ceremony at the paddock site. It will feature the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new paddock building, estimated to have cost $500million, and is likely to follow a similar order of play to Miami’s pre-event spectacle, where drivers and team bosses were introduced on stage. Practice takes place on Thursday 16 November, with qualifying on Friday 17 November at midnight (PST), which is 8am GMT and 3am ET on Saturday morning. Race organisers announced this week that Nevada residents can secure a single-day grandstand ticket for Thursday practice, starting at $200, with race day tickets around $1,300. Three-day tickets for $500 have already sold out. Preparation for the Las Vegas race has seen numerous roads closed while construction takes place, with the project as a whole costing an estimated $560m. A man working on the construction at the Bellagio Fountains area tragically died last month after suffering a “major laceration to the neck.” A spokesperson for the police confirmed the worker was involved in construction for the Vegas race circuit. The 3.8-mile track passes a host of famous Sin City landmarks, including the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the new MGM Sphere. F1 is returning to Vegas for the first time since 1982, when the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was held in the car park of the famous hotel. Read More Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes F1 construction worker killed in Las Vegas while setting up grand prix circuit Lance Stroll ‘may have contravened FIA rules’ during furious outburst in Qatar F1 driver Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during ‘horrible’ Qatar Grand Prix McLaren set astonishing new F1 record after Lando Norris pit stop

Lance Stroll is under investigation and ‘may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures’ during the Qatar Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, was furious after only qualifying 17th during Friday’s qualifying session in Lusail. The 24-year-old threw his steering wheel, appeared to ignore obligatory weighing protocols and then shoved his personal trainer, Henry Howe, at the back of the garage. Stroll then gave a six-word interview to F1’s media channels, including an expletive, before storming out of shot. An FIA spokesperson said in a statement: "The FIA Compliance Officer is in discussion with Lance Stroll in relation to several incidents that may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures during the Qatar Grand Prix." Sky F1 pundit Naomi Schiff described Stroll’s conduct as “completely inappropriate.” Ultimately, the Canadian finished Sunday’s grand prix just outside the points in 11th place, while team-mate Fernando Alonso finished sixth. Stroll claimed he passed out at the wheel because of the extreme humidity during Sunday’s race. A number of other drivers also experienced problems, with the FIA undergoing a review of a chaotic event in Qatar. Alonso has scored 183 points this season to Stroll’s 47, with the Spaniard also claiming all of Aston Martin’s seven podiums this season. "It’s cost them [Aston Martin] in the constructors’ championship,” ex-F1 driver Karun Chandok told Sky Sports. “Earlier in the year, we were looking at them being second in the constructors and they are likely to end up fifth with the way McLaren have caught up with them. "The reality is he has scored less than a third of Alonso’s points. McLaren have benefited that they have two drivers racking up the points and it’s allowed them to catch up." Read More Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and gives furious six-word interview FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints F1 drivers unhappy after ‘dangerous’ Qatar Grand Prix causes fainting and vomiting F1 driver Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during ‘horrible’ Qatar Grand Prix McLaren set astonishing new F1 record after Lando Norris pit stop Hamilton, Russell and the deeper tale at play for Mercedes

The FIA has begun a review into Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix after drivers complained of racing in dangerously high temperatures. George Russell branded the race “beyond the limit of what is acceptable” as temperatures in the drivers’ cockpits exceeded 50 degrees for a contest which lasted one hour and 28 minutes. Canadian driver Lance Stroll said he faded in and out of consciousness because of the extreme heat and humidity during the 57-lap race in Lusail and was also seen stumbling towards an ambulance moments after he emerged from his Aston Martin. London-born driver Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure at the on-track medical centre, while his rookie Williams team-mate Logan Sargeant was forced to park his car through illness. Alpine’s French driver Esteban Ocon also vomited during the race. This was only the second staging of the Qatar race and the first of a 10-year deal which, in the region of £45million each season, is among the most lucrative for the sport’s American owners Liberty Media. Next year’s edition will be held two months later in December when it is expected to be cooler, but governing body the FIA acknowledged action must be taken now to avoid a repeat of the scenes. It said in a statement: “The FIA notes with concern that the extreme temperature and humidity during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix had an impact on the well-being of the drivers. “While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety. “The safe operation of the cars is, at all times, the responsibility of the competitors, however as with other matters relating to safety such as circuit infrastructure and car safety requirements, the FIA will take all reasonable measures to establish and communicate acceptable parameters in which competitions are held. “As such, the FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions. “It should be noted that while next year’s edition of the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled later in the year, when temperatures are expected to be lower, the FIA prefers to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario.” The FIA said measures would be discussed at the upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris, which could include guidance for competitors, research into modifications for more efficient airflow in the cockpit and recommendations for changes to the calendar to fit with acceptable climate conditions. Research from cross-country events in extreme climates will also be examined for potential applications to track races. You don’t want to be passing out at the wheel when you are driving at 200mph George Russell Russell, 25, who is director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, revealed he came close to blacking out after driving back from last to fourth following his first-corner crash with Lewis Hamilton. He said: “(Sunday) was beyond the limit of what is acceptable. “Over 50 per cent of the grid said they were feeling sick, couldn’t drive and were close to passing out. “You don’t want to be passing out at the wheel when you are driving at 200mph, and that is how I felt at times. “If it got any hotter I would have retired because my body was ready to give up.” McLaren driver Lando Norris, 23, who finished third, said: “We found the limit (on Sunday) and it is sad we had to find it this way. “It is never a nice situation to be in when people are ending up in the medical centre or passing out. “It is not a point where you can just say, ‘the drivers need to train more’. We are in a closed car and it gets extremely hot. “Clearly, when you have people who end up retiring or in such a bad state it is too much. It is too dangerous. “I know that next year this race is later on in the season, and it will be cooler, but it is still something that needs to be addressed. I am sure we will speak about it because it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

McLaren recorded the quickest pit stop in Formula 1 history on Sunday at the Qatar Grand Prix. Lando Norris’ second stop at the Lusail Circuit, on lap 28, clocked in at 1.8 seconds – 0.02 seconds quicker than the previous record. That previous landmark of 1.82 seconds was set by Red Bull with a Max Verstappen stop at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix. But what makes this new record more astounding is that the tyres are heavier – 18-inch compared to 13-inch – on the current generation of cars. It means McLaren are firm favourites to secure the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award this season. Red Bull had also set the previous-best time this season, with a 1.98 second stop for Sergio Perez in Budapest in July. Norris finished the race in third place as McLaren secured a second consecutive double podium with Oscar Piastri coming home in second place, behind race winner and 2023 world champion Max Verstappen. It was another excellent day for the papaya, 24 hours after Piastri claimed his first taste of victory in F1 after winning the sprint race. With five races left, McLaren are now just 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Martin in the constructors’ standings after a mid-season resurgence. Norris is seventh in the world championship, four points clear of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Piastri ninth in the standings. Read More What Lewis Hamilton’s clash with George Russell tells us about state of play at Mercedes Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide as Max Verstappen wins in Qatar The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last

The post-race video on Mercedes’ social media channels was exquisitely timed. It captured Lewis Hamilton walking over to George Russell in the Silver Arrows motorhome in Qatar: an apology, an embrace. “Sorry about that, it wasn’t your fault,” said the seven-time world champion. No fallout. No outrage. The message was clear: let it be known that the collision which derailed both drivers’ race on Sunday night is unequivocally brushed under the carpet. Incidents like this happens. It is, after all, racing. However, the reality is that this one has been brewing for some time. The initial rumblings on team radio tell a better story. Russell, sandwiched in-between Max Verstappen and Hamilton at turn one, bellowing: “Come on, what the hell! That is two races in a row.” Somewhat remarkably, he recovered from dead last to finish fourth. Hamilton, though later taking full responsibility, insisted he was “taken out by his team-mate.” The 38-year-old was left beached in the gravel, his race run after a matter of seconds. All in all, it marks the end of quite a tumultuous month for Mercedes in Asia. Because what has largely characterised Hamilton and Russell’s relationship since the latter joined from Williams at the start of 2022 – his long-awaited opportunity of a lifetime – is respect. Two British drivers, 13 years apart. Hamilton: one of the greatest of all time. Russell: the next big thing. Both have grown equally frustrated at Mercedes’ underperformance in the past 18 months. A period defined by a car with a misdirected philosophy. A period of anguish and pain, both literally with last year’s porpoising and mentally with constant problems and a lack of pace. A period of one win in 39 races. But despite all the issues, respect had been maintained. And, they both say now, it still is. The video – captioned “actions speak louder than words” – points to that. But the touch paper has most certainly been lit. It started in Singapore, when Russell’s eagerness to taste victory resulted in a last lap mistake and shunt into the wall. Hamilton was on his tail then and profiteered to finish on the podium. A week later, in Japan, it intensified. The pair scrapped on numerous occasions, both on track in feisty moves and off track with different strategies and approaches. Russell, upon resisting an initial team order to let Hamilton pass, was told in no uncertain terms: “This is an instruction, George.” Hamilton was also unsatisfied with his team’s tactics in Suzuka, told to stay within DRS range to Russell behind to help his team-mate defend from Carlos Sainz. In the end, the elder statesman finished fifth, two places clear of his junior. So contrary to what both may believe, Sunday’s first turn collision – when both had a sniff and a glimpse of the lead – had been in the offing for Hamilton and Russell. And while both may well want to leave the Middle East with a mantra of forgive and forget, it points to a deeper tale emerging within the team. Both signed new deals last month until the end of the 2025 season. Both are desperate for success: Hamilton for that record-breaking eighth title, a title unjustly snatched from him in Abu Dhabi in 2021, and Russell to simply be in a fight for a championship. But when two competitive animals, vying to be No 1, are left fighting for every point and position, clashes are something of an inevitability. This incident will not be the last. We saw it with Hamilton and Nico Rosberg; a partnership with blew up at various points in 2016. Further back, you only have to go to Hamilton’s rookie season when he squared up to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso across the garage. It is little wonder Hamilton says his team-mate between 2017-2021 – when he won four of his seven titles – was his favourite. Valtteri Bottas never quite had the pace to match-up to the indomitable Hamilton. But Russell does not want to fall into that same bracket. Telling The Independent a year ago of his “ultimate goal” to win a world championship, his ambitions are sky-high. So much so, in fact, that he finished above his team-mate in last season’s standings and will be ruing a few errors this year which means he currently trails Hamilton by 62 points and is languishing in eighth spot, now below Lando Norris. Behind the impeccable politeness is an intense competitiveness and Russell is not interested in playing second fiddle. It all makes for an intriguing sub-plot to play out in the remaining five races of the season as we cross over to the Americas. The state of play in the Mercedes garage is bubbling up, to a point where something may well have to give. Toto Wolff was absent in Japan and Qatar due to undergoing knee surgery, but dialled in on Sunday to calm Russell down. After the incidents in the past two races, no doubt he will be back present in Austin in two weeks’ time and, frankly, both drivers might just need their boss back in town. The respect still seems present between the two Brits – but for how much longer? Read More Lewis Hamilton apologises to George Russell after crash in Qatar: ‘It wasn’t your fault’ F1 drivers unhappy after ‘dangerous’ Qatar Grand Prix causes fainting and vomiting Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide as Max Verstappen wins in Qatar F1 drivers unhappy after ‘dangerous’ Qatar Grand Prix causes fainting and vomiting ‘I was passing out in the car’: Lance Stroll explains how Qatar heat took its toll Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide as Max Verstappen wins in Qatar

Lewis Hamilton apologised to George Russell and took full responsibility for their first lap crash at the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday night. The Mercedes pair collided at the first turn of the first lap of the race, with Hamilton’s rear-right tyre clipping the front of Russell’s car. Hamilton, 38, spun off into the gravel and was forced to retire from the grand prix, while the incident also ruined Russell’s race as he dropped back to dead last. But while both immediately blamed each other on the team radio, Hamilton later admitted he was at fault and post-race spoke to Russell. In a video posted on Mercedes’ Instagram page, Hamilton is seen approaching Russell in the paddock and saying: “Sorry about today, it wasn’t your fault.” The pair quickly embrace, with Hamilton adding: “Great job.” Hamilton also posted on X/Twitter: “I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.” Russell, despite intense humid conditions in Lusail, recovered over the next 57 laps to finish a respectable fourth. Hamilton added in his TV pen interview: “I just feel really sorry for the team, we had a chance today to get some good points. “Heat of the moment, I didn’t understand what happened but I don’t think George had anywhere to go. I’m happy to take responsibility for it. “It’s massively gutting to have a result like this. It’s very rare that this happens, I hope George is able to get back into the points.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was absent from this race – his second in a row – as he recovers from knee surgery. But the Austrian came on the intercom in a move to calm Russell, 25, down shortly after the incident. “George, let’s race now, and get the best out of it,” he said. Max Verstappen won the race, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris securing another double podium for McLaren. Read More Lewis Hamilton reacts after first-corner collision with George Russell ‘I was passing out in the car’: Lance Stroll explains how Qatar heat took its toll ‘I was passing out in the car’: Lance Stroll explains how Qatar heat took its toll Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collide as Max Verstappen wins in Qatar Carlos Sainz misses Qatar Grand Prix in huge Ferrari blow

George Russell believes Formula One went “beyond the limit of what is acceptable” by staging a Qatar Grand Prix that Lando Norris described as “too dangerous”. Canadian driver Lance Stroll said he faded in and out of consciousness because of the extreme heat and humidity during Sunday’s 57-lap race in Lusail and was also seen stumbling towards an ambulance moments after he emerged from his Aston Martin. London-born driver Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure at the on-track medical centre, while his rookie Williams team-mate Logan Sargeant was forced to park his car through illness. Alpine’s French driver Esteban Ocon also vomited during the race. Temperatures in the drivers’ cockpits exceeded 50 degrees for a contest which lasted one hour and 28 minutes. Russell, 25, who is director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, and revealed he came close to blacking out after driving back from last to fourth following his first-corner crash with Lewis Hamilton, said: “Today was beyond the limit of what is acceptable. “Over 50 per cent of the grid said they were feeling sick, couldn’t drive and were close to passing out. “You don’t want to be passing out at the wheel when you are driving at 200mph, and that is how I felt at times. “If it got any hotter I would have retired because my body was ready to give up.” This was only the second staging of the Qatar race and the first of a 10-year deal which, in the region of £45million each season, is among the most lucrative for the sport’s American owners Liberty Media. Next year’s edition will be held two months later in December when it is expected to be cooler. McLaren driver Norris, 23, who finished third, said: “We found the limit today and it is sad we had to find it this way. “It is never a nice situation to be in when people are ending up in the medical centre or passing out. “It is not a point where you can just say, ‘the drivers need to train more’. We are in a closed car and it gets extremely hot. “Clearly, when you have people who end up retiring or in such a bad state it is too much. It is too dangerous. “I know that next year this race is later on in the season, and it will be cooler, but it is still something that needs to be addressed. I am sure we will speak about it because it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.” Read More Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship Fernando Alonso lauds Max Verstappen as best F1 driver since Michael Schumacher

By Alan Baldwin DOHA Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrated his first win as a triple Formula One world

Lance Stroll claimed he passed out at the wheel of his Aston Martin because of the extreme humidity in Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. American rookie Logan Sargeant was forced to retire through illness, French driver Esteban Ocon said he vomited in his cockpit, while London-born Thai Alex Albon was taken to the medical centre with acute heat exposure as the grid’s drivers battled the intense conditions at the Lusail International Circuit. A statement from 27-year-old Albon’s Williams team read: “Following the Qatar Grand Prix, Alex was taken to the medical centre to be treated for acute heat exposure. He has now been assessed and cleared by the medical team.” Williams also revealed Sargeant, 22, had suffered from “intense dehydration” following “flu-like symptoms earlier in the week”. Aston Martin’s Stroll, 24, who fell over as he made his way to conduct his media duties, said: “I was passing out in the car. “They painted the kerbs and made the track narrower but you can’t feel the kerbs. I couldn’t see where I was going because I was passing out. I was fading in and out. The temperature was too much.” George Russell, who finished fourth following a first-lap collision with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, also revealed he felt ill throughout Sunday’s 57-lap Grand Prix. I was passing out in the car Lance Stroll The 25-year-old said: “It was an absolutely brutal race and by far the most physical race I have ever experienced. “I felt close to fainting in that race and I have never experienced anything like it before. “I wasn’t physically sick in the car but I felt ill. I had to ask my engineer to give me encouragement to take my mind off of it.” This was only the second staging of the Qatar race and the first of a 10-year deal. Next year’s edition will be held two months later in December when it is expected to be cooler. Read More Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship Fernando Alonso lauds Max Verstappen as best F1 driver since Michael Schumacher

A furious George Russell lashed out at Lewis Hamilton following a dramatic crash with his Mercedes team-mate at the very first corner of Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, crowned champion of the world for a third time following Saturday’s sprint, started his title parade by racing to his 14th win from the 17 rounds so far. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri followed up his victory in Saturday’s 19-lap dash by taking second place while his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris completed the podium. But Verstappen’s emphatic win and McLaren’s continued resurgence played second fiddle to Hamilton’s crash with Russell which left the seven-time world champion in the gravel. Russell fought back from last to fourth. Hamilton, third on the grid, attempted to drive round the outside of Russell, one starting place higher, and pole-sitter Verstappen in a gung-ho bid for glory. But Hamilton tagged the front-left of Russell’s machine. An out-of-control Hamilton was sent into the gravel with the right-rear wheel of his Mercedes flying off into the air. Russell was sent spinning round before limping back to the pits for a new front wing. Out came the safety car and the inquest started. “F****** hell,” yelled Russell, 25. “Come on! What the hell! I have got damage.” Referencing their ding-dong battle at the last round in Japan, Russell added: “Guys, come on, f***! Two races in a row.” Sitting in the sandtrap, Hamilton, 38, pointed the finger at his younger team-mate. “Yeah, I got taken out by my team-mate,” he said. Back on track and sitting at the rear of the field, Russell returned to the intercom. “Sorry guys, I wasn’t even looking,” he added. “I was focused ahead and he came from nowhere. “I am lost for words. Honestly. I have just seen the replays on the TV screen. I couldn’t do anything. Totally sandwiched.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is absent from this race – his second in a row – as he recovers from knee surgery. But the Austrian came on the intercom in a move to calm Russell down. The relationship is not broken. I don’t have any problems with George. We have a great relationship and we always talk about things Lewis Hamilton “George, let’s race now and get the best out of it,” he said. Forty minutes after the accident, Hamilton, 38, accepted blame for the coming together. “In the heat of the moment, it was frustrating because I felt this tap from the rear but I don’t think George had anywhere to go,” said the seven-time world champion using a towel to mop the sweat from his brow. “It was an unfortunate scenario and I am happy to take responsibility because that is my role. I need to go back and look at it, but I don’t feel like it was George’s fault. “Before the race, we knew we were on different tyres so we wanted to work together. I had the soft tyre and everyone around me was on the medium and I needed to get by. I tried going round the outside of Max and it just didn’t work out. “It was not our plan to come together. It is just really gutting for the team. I feel just really sad for everybody for my part in it.” Hamilton wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the race, saying: “I’ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.” He insisted his partnership with Russell had not been damaged by the collision. Mercedes announced at the end of August that Hamilton and Russell will continue alongside each other until at least the end of 2025. He continued: “The relationship is not broken. I don’t have any problems with George. We have a great relationship and we always talk about things. “This is just unfortunate and I am sure he was frustrated in the moment, as I was, but we will talk about it offline and move forwards.” Amid safety concerns about the Pirelli tyres, Sunday’s 57-lap race took place against the backdrop of a flurry of mandatory pit stops – with the drivers only able to do 18 laps on a single set of rubber. Yet, the disruption had little impact on Verstappen who sealed another comfortable win, taking the flag 4.8 seconds clear for the 49th win of his career. Charles Leclerc finished fifth for Ferrari ahead of the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso. Sergio Perez, whose crash in Saturday’s sprint officially handed Verstappen his third title, started from the pit lane and crossed the line ninth on yet another weekend to forget for the Mexican. Perez was also handed a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits, demoting him to 10th. Read More Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen Angry Lance Stroll shoves personal trainer and storms out of interview Max Verstappen fastest in Qatar practice as he closes in on world championship Fernando Alonso lauds Max Verstappen as best F1 driver since Michael Schumacher Fernando Alonso lauds Max Verstappen as best F1 driver since Michael Schumacher