Hamilton defended by Schumacher as Verstappen cracks joke over Hungary GP start

24 July 2023 , 17:16

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Verstappen was already ahead of Hamilton heading into the first corner (Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton got a better launch off the line than looked to be the case at the Hungarian Grand Prix, according to Ralf Schumacher.

For the first time since December 2021, the seven-time world champion lined up on pole position for Sunday's race. He had got the better of rival Max Verstappen by just three-thousandths of a second in qualifying the previous day.

But he was unable to capitalise on that success. The Red Bull driver had the lead of the race by the first corner, while both McLaren cars also made their way past the Mercedes.

Dropping to fourth so quickly was a dreadful start to the race for Hamilton. But former Formula 1 racer Schumacher felt the Brit didn't do a lot wrong.

"The reaction time wasn't all that bad," said the six-time Grand Prix winner when summing up Hamilton's race. "The question is what data the team collected over the weekend. You collect the grip data, there is a predefined sequence with a speed, with an optimal gas position and the driver then unwinds it.

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"If for some reason, whether the tyre or temperature window is not reached, then the start is bad. It wasn't Lewis Hamilton's fault with his reaction." And the Brit backed that up by blaming a lack of grip and also Verstappen's driving for why he lost out so badly at the start.

"I had a bit of wheelspin and then obviously Max was on the inside and he ran me wide and I got done by the two McLarens," said the seven-time world champion. "So, definitely not a great start, kind of reminiscent of 2015 when I fell back from first."

Schumacher said it would be unfair to criticise Hamilton for the start (HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Lando Norris fought with Hamilton heading into the first corner and eventually won that duel. And while they were battling, his team-mate Oscar Piastri took full advantage by slipping up the inside of them both and into second place.

When shown footage of that first-corner skirmish in the cool down room after the race, Norris was clearly impressed with his team-mate as he cried: "Look at Oscar!" And Verstappen joked in response: "He's like, 'Thank you very much'."

While Schumacher had praise for the W14's performance when low on fuel, the German criticised Mercedes for their pit strategy. "They tended to stay out there a little too long and ultimately couldn't use the tyres anymore," he added.

"It can also have something to do with the fuel, if the car gets lighter it can work much better. It was striking that Hamilton was able to gain a lot of pace in the end. For me, the Mercedes is still too slow – especially when you look at the DRS and how difficult it is for them to overtake."

Daniel Moxon