Dutch Grand Prix Report: Hamilton Crashes Out Amidst Promising Weekend
Lewis Hamilton’s ambitions for a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix ended in disappointment as he crashed out after a promising start, marking the first retirement of his career with Ferrari.
The weekend showcased significant potential for Hamilton, who qualified just 0.05 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc. However, while vying for position early in the race behind George Russell, Hamilton suggested an undercut strategy after Leclerc pitted. Unfortunately, he lost control at Turn 3, crashing into the barrier.
“I didn’t necessarily want the undercut at that time… I lost the rear up the bank, and that was it,” Hamilton reflected on the incident. Despite the setback, he noted, “It’s been a really solid weekend… To come away with nothing is definitely painful.”
Hamilton emphasized his ongoing confidence in his performance, stating, “I’m sad for the team because I really wanted to get those points… I felt like I had the pace in the cars ahead of me.”
Teammate Leclerc also faced challenges during the race, retiring after a collision with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli while battling for fifth place. Leclerc described the incident as a mistake by Antonelli, acknowledging the need for aggression on a challenging track, yet noting, “That was too much.”
This race marks a critical moment for Ferrari, highlighting both the potential for advancement within the season and the harsh realities of competitive racing where mistakes are costly.
