Lewis Hamilton has accepted responsibility for the crash with Kamui Kobayashi after a collision between the two drivers ended his race and almost certainly his slim title ambitions.
Hamilton started from second on the grid and was running fourth when Kobayashi made the move to pass his McLaren with the DRS. The pair collided, sending Hamilton crashing into the barrier and out of the race. Writing on Twitter after the race, Hamilton took full responsibility for the incident.
"After watching the replay, I realise it was my fault today 100%," Hamilton said. "I didn't give Kobayashi enough room though I thought I was past. Apologies to Kamui and to my team. The team deserves better from me."
Hamilton's initial reaction had been somewhat different, as he was unsure as to how the collision had happened.
"I was in a good position and I'd already got past one of the Ferraris, but then I was hit by Kamui," said Hamilton. "I don't really know what happened, but I hit the wall pretty hard and my race was immediately over. I was ahead, so I don't know why I got hit.
"There have been quite a few races this year where we've not finished, and this is another - but that's motor racing. At least our pace was reasonably good this weekend, so let's hope we can win more races in the remainder of the season."
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh echoed the sentiments of his driver, insinuating the blame lay with the Sauber driver although the incident was overlooked by race stewards.
"I thought he was extremely unlucky to be tapped from behind by Kamui - and, as we all saw all too clearly, the result was a pretty nasty shunt," said Whitmarsh. "Thankfully he climbed out unhurt, which is the main thing. It was hugely frustrating for us - of course it was - but that's motor racing and all we can do now is draw a line under it and move on."
Kobayashi said he wasn't attempting to make a move, and felt it was Hamilton's fault because he moved back over to the racing line.
"I knew perfectly well he was faster than me so had no reason to fight with him," Kobayashi said. "After he overtook me it was not my intention to get my position back, so I stayed on my line and didn't expect him to move over."
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