P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes explain Hamilton-Russell crash – but should they have avoided it?
During the Qatar Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton attempted to overtake both George Russell and Max Verstappen on the outside of Turn 1, resulting in contact between Hamilton and Russell. As a result, Hamilton spun off into the gravel and retired from the race, while Russell had to pit and dropped to the back of the field. Mercedes explained that their decision to split strategies between the drivers was influenced by the unexpected tyre stint life regulations, leaving Hamilton at a disadvantage. Mercedes considered the possibility that Hamilton could have overtaken Russell at the start but decided not to impose team orders and allowed them to race naturally. Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes trackside engineering director, described the incident as a mistake and acknowledged that a clear instruction to Russell could have potentially prevented the collision. The collision had costly consequences for both Mercedes.
Source: Crash
