Almost everyone knew that 2021 would be Valtteri Bottas’ final season with Mercedes. After all, even the Brackley team wanted newer, younger talent, it could build its future around. That young talent? George Russell. Since Mercedes started thinking about Russell joining the team, Lewis Hamiton opposed it. He knew that if Russell were to join Mercedes, the balance Hamilton had created for himself would go for a toss. What’s even worse? He dreaded another Nico Rosberg-esque rivalry, something he was sure would come along with Russell. Guess what? It finally happened at the Qatar GP.

After a season and a half together, the seven-time champion’s worst fear has been confirmed. The rivalry that has been dormant since 2022 finally started erupting at the Japanese GP. After almost colliding in Suzuka, the Mercedes boys kept their tussle going in Qatar. And it all blew up in a first-lap collision. Surprisingly, though, while Hamilton was at fault, the crash wasn’t why he received a reprimand from the FIA.

A non-racing incident caught out Lewis Hamilton

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton lined up in P2 and P3 for Sunday’s race. As the lights went out, Hamilton got a great start on soft tires and saw an opportunity to take the lead. With Russell and Max Verstappen on the lower-grip mediums, the seven-time champion had an advantage. While trying to make the move on the outside of Russell and Verstappen into Turn 1, Russell clipped him, sending Hamilton into the gravel. Needless to say, it took no time for the blame game to start. But what happened after Hamilton was beached and out of the race led to the reprimand.

As soon as the crash happened, the Safety Car came out. Considering the collision happened at Turn 1, right across the pitlane, Hamilton decided to get back to his garage. Instead of waiting for the marshals to take him back as they cleared his W14 from the gravel, the Brit crossed the track to get to the pitlane while cars were on track. He reached the inside edge of the track right before the fast-approaching W14 of his teammate exited the pits. Because of how dangerous his actions were, the FIA fined Hamilton $52,000. 

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The FIA’s statement read, “During the hearing, [Hamilton] was very apologetic and realized that the situation could have been very dangerous for him as well as the drivers approaching. The Stewards reinforced the fact that crossing a live track can cause extremely dangerous situations, and the drivers have to be very cautious about it.” His actions after the crash weren’t the only thing he was apologetic for following his first-lap retirement. 

Read More: “Taken Out by My Own Teammate”: Lewis Hamilton Holds No Punches to Blame George Russell for Qatar Mayhem

Hamilton realized and accepted his first-lap mistake

As soon as the crash happened, Hamilton and Russell were firing shots over the radio. Russell screamed, “Come on! What the hell! I have got damage. Guys, come on! Two races in a row,” and Hamilton said, “Yeah, I got taken out by my teammate.” Russell didn’t have any significant damage and continued racing. A few laps later, though, he told his team, “Sorry guys, I wasn’t even looking. 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.” What would’ve been much to Russell’s post-race surprise, Hamilton apologized for the crash.

In an interview with F1 after his DNF, Hamilton said, “Gutting. Massive apology to everyone back at the factory. It was just probably a racing incident. I take full responsibility for it. I don’t think George had anywhere to go.” He followed this with a post on X, writing, “I’ve watched the replay, and it was 100% my fault, and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.” It’s not often you see drivers apologize for their mistakes, but—like Toto Wolff said—Hamilton is one of those drivers who always does.

Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton Gets Past Flashbacks Against George Russell at the 2023 Spanish GP

Ultimately, the race was better than Russell expected after that first lap. He recovered to a brilliant P4, not to mention after four pit stops. Do you think Lewis Hamilton was solely at fault for the crash? And what is your take on his fine?