SIR LEWIS HAMILTON was slammed as an “idiot” after a first-lap smash with old rival Fernando Alonso sent him crashing out of the Belgian GP.
Hamilton was launched into the air after making contact with Alonso’s Alpine and came back to the ground with a massive thud.
Max Verstappen won in Belgium for the second year running
Sir Lewis Hamilton crashed out in the first lap
Hamilton was sent into the air after colliding with Fernando Alonso
The seven-time world champion had come into the weekend all smiles and full of confidence that he’d be able to end his duck for the season.
But after qualifying a WHOPPING 1.8 seconds behind Max Verstappen, who won the race despite starting in 14th place, Hamilton took full blame for his race-ending error.
He said: “Looking back at the footage, he was in blind spot and I just didn’t see it. It was my fault.”
Alonso blasted Hamilton over the radio as the Spaniard was squeezed out at Les Combes when the Brit was looking to move into second place.
Alonso said: “He hit me! What an idiot! This guy only knows how to drive when starting first!”
Hamilton, who was immediately told to retire his car, later brushed off Alonso’s criticism saying: “It doesn’t really matter what he said.
“I don’t really have a response to it. I know how things feel in the heat of the moment, but it’s nice to know how he feels about me.
“It’s better that it’s out in the open how he feels. And like I said, it wasn’t intentional, and I take responsibility for it. That’s what adults do.”
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Reflecting on the crash, Hamilton added: “I remember looking at the ground, it was definitely high up. I’m grateful to be still alive and in shape.
“I could hear something’s broken in the gearbox. Coming down I would have broken so much in the back end, so I was told to stop.
“But obviously in that moment, you’re hopeful you can keep going.”
Hamilton cut a dejected figure and trudged his way back to the pits after his wretched weekend at Spa came to an abrupt end.
And while he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the stewards for the crash, he was given a warning for failing to visit the medical centre for a routine check after such a hefty collision.
A report from the FIA said the 37-year-old only went for the routine check after they threatened punishment.
A statement said: “The Stewards received a report from the Race Director that driver Hamilton refused to visit the Medical Service following his crash on lap one where the Medical Warning Light threshold was exceeded.
“He only did so after the Race Director informed the team that further action could be taken if he did not.
“The Stewards issue a warning in this case, with a reminder to all drivers that stronger action may be taken in the future.”
Sergio Perez claimed second place to secure a Red Bull one-two for the 21st time in F1 history.
It is the fourth time the pair have finished at the front of the race this year, with Carlos Sainz third over the finish line, one place ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
