Lewis Hamilton BLASTS Mercedes over Austrian Grand Prix failure
LEWIS HAMILTON has opened up on Mercedes’ error-strewn performance at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The four-time world champion was leading the race in the early laps, but after Mercedes failed to pit during a virtual safety car period, he lost his momentum.
Mercedes blundered with their strategy and had tyre problems which forced Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas to retire.
Hamilton, who has only won once previously in Austria, fumed over the team radio after Mercedes lost the initiative with their late pit.
And the Brit is adamant the race ranks as one of his worst as a driver.
“I am not going to lie, we’re going to have to work on all areas,” said Hamilton.
This is definitely the worst weekend that I can remember for a long time
“We can’t afford to throw away points.
“We need to find a bulletproof method to move forward. This is definitely the worst weekend that I can remember for a long time.”
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, however, struck a rather different tone after the race.
He said: “We don't need to make changes.
“The situation is very complex this year. We are fighting six cars.
“We made a mistake. We were controlling the race, running one and two, and suddenly Valtteri stopped. The VSC came out, we had half-a-lap to react and we didn't. Fact. This is where we lost the race."
Sebastian Vettel’s victory means he jumps back above Hamilton in the Drivers’ Standings.