Lewis Hamilton "grateful" for podium after "gutting" Imola mistake

Lewis Hamilton in the gravel at Imola — Photo: © LAT Images

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Hamilton "grateful" for podium after "gutting" Imola mistake

Hamilton recovered from hitting barrier on lap 31 to finish second

Ewan Gale

Sunday 18 April 2021 17:50

Lewis Hamilton conceded he was "grateful" to be given the chance to battle for points after recovering from a "gutting" mistake to finish second at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver ran off into the barrier at Tosa on lap 31, damaging his front wing in the process as he attempted to reel in eventual winner Max Verstappen.

Hamilton was given a lifeline when red flags, ironically caused by an incident involving team-mate Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, negated the time lost in the gravel trap and subsequent pit-stop before the Briton eventually fought back to finish runner-up.

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"Congratulations to Max who did a fantastic job today, just solid work from him and also to Lando [Norris, who finished third]," said Hamilton. "What an awesome job and great to see McLaren back up here.

"On my side, not the greatest of days. I have not made a mistake in a long time but I am grateful I was able to bring home the car still.

"There was only one dry line and I was, I guess, in a bit too much of a hurry to get by everyone. I came into the inside and could see it was wet and I was trying to stop but the thing wouldn't stop.

"A bit unfortunate but I am really grateful we got to get going again. To get points for the team was really important today."

Hamilton's recovery, coupled with a late fastest lap, ensures he holds onto the championship lead ahead of the Dutchman by a single point.

On whether he feared he would lose his advantage during the red-flag period, Hamilton replied: "I wasn't thinking about it. I was trying to get over the gutting feeling of making a mistake and just move on from it and learning from it real quick.

"You don't have long to dwell on it so that's what I did, get back into the racing spirit.

"I didn't know if we would be able to overtake because off-line it was wet, but still, had some really fun battles with all the guys."