Lewis Hamilton’s Unexpected Crash in Abu Dhabi FP3 Leads to Session Red-Flagging
During the third practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton experienced a significant crash. The incident occurred at Turn 9 when Hamilton lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a spin that sent him into the barriers.
Details of the Incident
Hamilton reported to his team via radio, stating, “something buckled at the front and snapped the rear.” He managed to exit the car unaided and collected pieces of his damaged front wing. At the time of the crash, both Hamilton and his Ferrari counterpart Charles Leclerc were positioned within the top five.
Contributing Factors
Analysis of the crash highlighted that Hamilton was navigating in the turbulent air produced by a car ahead. Additionally, he inadvertently drove onto a curb, which significantly lowered the car’s ride height just before the turn.
- Hamilton’s car lost traction at Turn 9.
- Unfavorable air from a leading car affected handling.
- Running off the curb contributed to the crash.
Expert Analysis
Former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson offered insights, pointing out that while nothing appeared to be wrong with the right side of the car before the crash, the impact caused considerable damage. Davidson noted that the initial sparks when Hamilton hit the curb were a clear sign of impending trouble.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Hamilton has expressed his desire to move away from the current generation of ground-effect cars. With new regulations set to be implemented in 2026, he commented, “There’s not a single thing I’ll miss about these cars. It is as simple as that. I have not enjoyed it.”
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, the team will likely conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and its effects on Hamilton’s vehicle performance.
