Lewis Hamilton says his Mercedes was damaged heavily, adding that some aerodynamical parts were damaged and the suspension as well.
Hamilton started 22th after not setting a lap time in qualifying due to ERS issues with his power unit.
After a good getaway, Hamilton tried to keep the first corner clean, which he did so but then collided with Sauber’s Felipe Nasr in Turn 2, who was trying to avoid an accident himself, leaving the Mercedes driver with front wing damage and forcing him to pit at the end of the first lap.
“This track is quite good because you can overtake and get close, but the car was pretty damaged,” he added. “I’m sure some aerodynamic components were damaged, but I think the suspension was as well. The car was flexing like crazy, like a four-poster bed today.
“I just tried to battle through, but every time I stopped I had to come through again, I wasn’t gaining ground, and at the end there weren’t enough tyres. That’s racing, not a great finish, but hopefully onwards and upwards.”
Hamilton managed to keep his feet on the ground as he worked his way through the field to finish P7, which retained him second in the drivers standings, 36 points adrift to Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg.
Hamilton will be hoping for a change of fortunes next time out, as the F1 circus heads to Sochi, for the Russian Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.
