MOTOR SPORT

Lewis Hamilton has apologised to his Mercedes team after his bid to take charge of the Formula One championship hit a minor bump yesterday when he crashed out of practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The defending champion, who is one point behind teammate Nico Rosberg in the title race, made an uncharacteristic mistake at turn 11, losing control of his car and thudding into the safety barriers. Hamilton managed to limp back to his Mercedes garage but the damage to the left-hand side of his car ruled him out for the remainder of the second practice session after completing only four laps.

Hamilton’s error paved the way for Rosberg, whohas signed a new two- year contract to extend his Mercedes stay until the end of the 2018 season, to post the fastest time of the day, comfortably ahead of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, with Sebastian Vettel a distant third for Ferrari.

Despite crashing out of the session with just 15 minutes on the clock, Hamilton’s lap was still good enough for fifth.

Hamilton said: “I hit the wall pretty hard and I felt it. They have got those new white kerbs, I putmy rear wheel just over the white line, touched that kerb, and I hit the wall perfectly sideways. It is frustrating and I am little bit disappointed with myself but these things happen. I am not injured, so I can get back on it tomorrow.”

While Hamilton is bidding to become the first driver to win on five occasions in Hungary, the Hungaroring has not been kind to Rosberg. Indeed, on his 10 previous visits to the circuit situated on the outskirts of Budapest, the 31-year-old has failed to step foot on the podium.

But the German, whose Mercedes contract could be worth up to £ 36million over two seasons, will be buoyed by his newdeal, his promising start to the weekend and Hamilton’s error.

“I always said that I amhappy here,” said Rosberg as he reflected on his contract extension. “It is my dream team, my racing family and it is home. We have had a great time together and I am sure we will have a successful future.”

McLaren’s Jenson Button finished a commendable eighth in both practice sessions.

“I am not injured, so I can get back on it tomorrow”