Lewis Hamilton was the victim of a reported right front brake failure during Saturday’s qualifying session for the German GP. The man who is second in the championship, was going through the stadium section when he hit the brakes and spun off into the barrier.
Hamilton reported that he was okay but was taken to the medical centre as a precaution.
Making it into qualifying two, but not being able to compete, Hamilton will start no higher than 15th, bar any penalties which may be awarded after qualifying.
The Brit said on the radio that he felt a brake failure which was confirmed by the team.
On the TV screens coming back from the medical centre, Hamilton very gingerly walked up a flight of stairs which may suggest some pain to his legs and ribs.
He said: “I’m in a bit of pain but even if something’s broken, I’ll still be driving tomorrow.”
Hamilton will start 15th and will be working hard to close down team-mate Nico Rosberg in Sunday’s race once again.
“I can’t believe it but things like this happen are sent to try us,” he said.
“The guys had done such a great job with the set-up and it felt great.
“The guys did lots of test with the brakes and it should have been alright, but it’s one of those things.
“It takes you by complete surprise. When you’re driving, you always have to have 110 per cent confidence in the car, and then you hit [the brakes] and it’s a real shock.”
He joked saying that Rosberg has been given “another present,” after his shunt.
“Obviously, Nico has basically got another gift, but we’ll do what we can tomorrow,” he joked, “We’ll figure something out – there’s still a decent amount of races to go…”
