Hamilton apologises after last lap crash

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) started from pole position and led the field into the first corner, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, 13.09.2009 / Copyright: Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

Lewis Hamilton admitted he made a mistake after crashing heavily out of a sure podium place on the last lap of Sunday's Italian grand prix.

The reigning world champion had just set the fastest first sector of the entire race in pursuit of Brawn's Jenson Button, but lost the rear of his McLaren on the exit of the first Lesmo curve.

"We didn't have the pace so I was pushing every lap like it was qualifying. The car was still good today, just not good enough. I can only apologise to my team and all my fans," the Briton told the BBC.

His team boss Martin Whitmarsh admitted disappointment with the loss of the podium, and even a hint of regret at not advising Hamilton to secure the result.

But he also said of the 24-year-old: "You can criticise us or him but we are a racing team and he is a great racing driver. He was pushing to the end -- that's how he is."

Source: GMM

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McNamara68

lewis is a class act, it's a pleasure to watch someone like him each race weekend

September 13, 2009 10:09 pm

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X6M

What?? Come on, what are u waiting for, get down and kiss his a**!!

September 14, 2009 11:55 am

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McNamara68

that's the best you come up with?? and you went back and edited that comment?? you obviously don't watch much F1, i wouldn't either if i was a bmw fanboy. when so many drivers are willing to throw their teammates under the bus and thrust blame on their engineers, lewis has done neither. heikki is a garbage driver who doesn't even belong in F1 imo and everyone knows the mclaren doesn't have enough downforce to compete at a track like monza with so many slow bends and hairpins. he might have lost the car because of the latter there at the end while trying to catch button. but he takes the blame himself and apologizes. that's a class act.

September 14, 2009 6:18 pm

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X6M

Just because of X6M am a fanboy?? I used to watch F1 until it became politics, someone is always spying on someone, drivers are not rescpected (Alonso in Mclaren for example), and Hamilton, come on, he will push you out of road when ever he can and you know it, as seen from past races, I also respect when somebody apologizes but read some more comments than you'll see that I'm not the only one who thinks that he is not fair driver...

September 14, 2009 6:35 pm

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kenta

I admit that I am not a fan of Lewis because of his attitude sometimes. But this weekend he did well but sadly lost all of his pursuit. I wish him some more luck next time. Go on, Lewis ... you are anyway the present world champion! I know you got the title for a good reason.

September 14, 2009 10:40 am

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