Watch Lewis Hamilton CRASH OUT of Austrian GP qualifying as F1 legend forced to start sprint race way down in tenth | The Sun

July 8, 2022

LEWIS HAMILTON crashed out of qualifying for the Austrian GP as trackside fans CHEERED his latest misfortune.

The Brit will start Saturday's sprint race down in TENTH place after smashing into a barrier on turn seven and heavily damaging his Mercedes.

Red Bull's reigning F1 champ Max Verstappen strengthened his grip on this year's Championship by taking pole ahead of Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

But Hamilton's 2022 woe continued when he lost traction midway through a corner and was sent flying off the track – forcing a red flag to halt racing.

He stuck a wheel on the gravel and hurtled into a wall – leaving his car wrecked on the front right hand side.

FIA doctor Ian Roberts ran over to check on Hamilton, but the seven-time champ got out of his Mercedes unaided with no problems.

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Verstappen's Dutch supporters at the Red Bull ring in Spielberg were heard cheering when they saw TV images of Hamilton's car crumped in the barrier.

Soundign out of breath, Hamilton said on his team radio: “Damn, I am so sorry guys. I'm so sorry to damage the car.”

Austria is like a second home for Verstappen, with the trackside covered in orange T-shirts.

And Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz also owns the circuit.

HOW THEY WILL LINE UP:

1. Max Verstappen
2. Charles Leclerc
3. Carlos Sainz
4. Sergio Perez
5. George Russell
6. Esteban Ocon
7. Kevin Magnussen
8. Mick Schumacher
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Lewis Hamilton