© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Lewis Hamilton says he could have “turned the car off and got out” after he went into the barrier, but ultimately he’s “grateful” that he didn’t.
At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton lost control of his car and went into the barrier. The Briton damaged his front wing, and for a few moments it seemed he will not be able to continue the race.
However, Lewis managed to return to the track, and ultimately managed to finish the race in P2.
“It wasn’t the greatest of days, the first time I’ve made a mistake in a long time – but I’m grateful I was able to bring the car home still,” Hamilton said after the race.
“There was only one dry line and I guess I was in a bit too much of a hurry to get through everyone, came onto the inside and I could see it was wet and I was trying to stop but the thing wouldn’t stop and sent me off.
“A bit unfortunate but grateful we got to get going again, and to get some points for the team was really important today.
“I definitely didn’t think I’d be [on the podium] when I was facing that barrier. But I remember just sitting there looking at the barrier and I refused to think that the race was over, refused to believe that the race was done.
“I could have obviously turned the car off and got out – but I’m grateful I didn’t.”
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Hamilton’s recovery was aided by the race being stopped due to a huge crash between Valtteri Bottas and George Russell. The race was stopped, and after it was restarted again, Lewis had to fight his way up from P9. He says the experience took him back to his roots.
“I loved it! That’s how my career actually started as a kid, coming through. We had a really dodgy old go kart so I was always starting at the back.
“So it just took me back to my roots. It’s a very hard track to overtake on.
“Without doubt, getting back to second and getting these points today will be very valuable through the season.
“If I’d lost 25 points today, it would have been very hard to recover, based on the fact that Red Bull – it’s the first time they’ve had a championship-winning car in a long time and their car was incredibly fast this weekend.
“We love the fact that it’s a close battle and it’s great to see McLaren up there after such a long time, great to see Ferrari looking strong.
“There’s going to be a lot exciting races up ahead,” concluded the seven-time champion.
