F1 Maestro Lewis Hamilton Blamed ‘Heavy Partying’ for Trashing His $1.7 Million Pagani Zonda in a Bizarre Turn of Events

Driving at high speeds is second nature to a Formula 1 driver. They are highly competent individuals who train intensely to prepare themselves for having quick reaction times. They get introduced to driving in their formative years at the go-kart tracks.

Lewis Hamilton is arguably the most accomplished driver in the sport’s history. He started with go-karts at the mere age of 8 and there was no looking back for him. The Brit trains religiously and ensures to always be on top of his game.

Despite his skills in a cockpit, one early morning in Monaco, his Pagani Zonda suffered damage. The Briton shunted into three parked cars in the streets of Monte Carlo. The local police tested him for alcohol, but the result was negative.

Later, the Mercedes driver revealed the cause behind his $1.7 million crash. He said “It was a result of heavy partying and not much rest for a week and a half,” Hamilton said. “I am a bit run down. I have been non-stop and trying to fit training in at the same time and not getting a lot of sleep.”

“Whilst ultimately, it is nobody’s business, there are people knowing my position that will try to take advantage of the situation and make a quick buck. NO problem.”

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He concluded by saying, “Nobody was hurt, which is the most important thing. But the car was obviously damaged and I made very light contact with a stationary vehicle.”

The aftermath of the crash raised questions about whether he could race in Brazil next week. The Mercedes doctor gave Hamilton a green light after assessing him. At the 2015 Brazil GP, the German racing stable scored a 1-2 finish with the Brit in P2.

Lewis Hamilton’s $700,000 shunt at the Austria GP

For the 11th round of the 2022 championship, F1 headed to Austria. The seven-time world champion finally had momentum coming into the weekend with two consecutive podium finishes. The W13 was on pace and even Hamilton looked in form.

Throughout the weekend, Hamilton looked like a force to be reckoned with. Ahead of the Qualifying session, he was in the mix for the top 3 spots that afternoon. However, a crash in Q3 saw his Mercedes in the barriers. crushing his hopes for the front row of the grid.

This shunt forced him into racing with a new chassis on Sunday. The German outfit bore a whopping $700,000 to change the parts on the number 44 car. This big bill rubbed was surely the salt in the Brit’s wounds.

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Notably, the 2022 season has a cost cap on the budget. This could make life difficult even more for the Briton later in the season. The 8-time constructor winners reportedly spent a third of the increased 3.1% budget by the FIA. Do you think this crash would hold Hamilton back from pushing the limits next time?