Hamilton’s apology as Max claims Imola win

LEWIS Hamilton issued an apology to Mercedes following one of the worst races of his 16-season career.

The seven-time world champion finished 13th at yesterday’s wet-dry Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, a lap behind winner Max Verstappen, and nine places adrift of his teammate George Russell.

Sergio Perez was second as Red Bull secured their first one-two finish in six years, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc came home sixth after he spun from third with just nine laps to run. Leclerc’s error allowed Lando Norris to snatch the final spot on the podium.

Verstappen’s win – his second of the season – has breathed new life into this year’s championship battle. The Dutchman moves up to second in the standings, 27 points adrift of Leclerc.

But for Hamilton, the sport’s most decorated driver, he is now already 58 points off the pace with his hopes of a record eighth world championship over for this year, and possibly beyond.

“It’s been difficult, but I don’t really know what to say,” said the deflated 37-year-old. “It’s definitely not easy.

“At least George got some points today so my apologies to everyone that I wasn’t able to do the same.

“I am out of the championship, and there’s no question about that. It has been a weekend to forget.”

Hamilton qualified and finished behind Russell in Saturday’s sprint, and then crossed the line an agonising one minute adrift of the other Mercedes in yesterday’s main event.

Despite making up a couple of places at the start, a cautious Hamilton declined the opportunity to switch to slick rubber when a dry line emerged.

Daniel Ricciardo was the first to take the gamble and, when the Australian started to light up the time charts, the rest of the pack followed suit.

Hamilton elected to stop too late. The British driver lost a place to Esteban Ocon in the pits and then, as he struggled to get his dry rubber up to speed, fell behind Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly, who had stopped earlier.

Hamilton would spend the remaining 43 laps on Gasly’s AlphaTauri gearbox, and then suffered the indignity of being lapped by Verstappen at the start of lap 41.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff moved to defend his superstar driver by blaming Hamilton’s machinery.

“Sorry for what you have had to drive today,” said the Austrian over the radio. “I know this is undrivable.”

But in the same car, Russell was fourth. The 24-year-old Briton has finished ahead of Hamilton in three of the four grands prix, and is 21 points ahead in the championship.

“Lewis deserves better from us, said Wolff. “We need to provide him with a machine that is able to fight at the front.”

Max Verstappen celebrates his victory at Imola.