Hamilton unrepentant over last-lap crash,”I’m here to win.”
Lewis Hamilton insisted he had done nothing wrong after winning Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix following a last-lap collision with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Championship leader Rosberg led at the start of the final lap at the Red Bull Ring, but ultimately finished fourth, having damaged his front wing when making contact with Hamilton as the Briton attempted a passing move at turn two.
After going on to secure victory, Hamilton, who was forced wide in the incident, said over team radio: “I was on the outside – it wasn’t me who crashed.”
And it was Rosberg – hampered by brake problems in the closing stages of the race – who was duly investigated by race stewards, both for the collision and failing to stop with a damaged car.
Hamilton was nevertheless booed during the podium ceremony, at a venue where Germany’s Rosberg enjoyed predictably strong support.
After responding to the poor reception by stating, “it’s not my problem, that’s their problem,” the reigning world champion gave his version of events.
“He [Nico] made a mistake into turn one and so I had an opportunity going into turn two,” said Hamilton.
“I left a lot of room on the inside and I guess he locked up and crashed into me, so … I think he had a problem with his brakes potentially, though.
“I’m here to win.”
FINAL LAP CHART: A dramatic #AustrianGP
