- Lewis Hamilton crashed out of practice at the Monaco Grand Prix at 175mph
- Ferrari were given just two-and-half hours to put his car back together
Lewis Hamilton crashed out of practice for the Monaco Grand Prix at 175mph – giving his Ferrari team two-and-a-half hours to piece his car back together ahead of qualifying.
The seven-time world champion was unhurt despite losing his front right tyre and his rear wheel being covered in red advertising tape.
The accident came at the end of third practice in which his team-mate Charles Leclerc set the fastest time, as he had in both Friday’s sessions.
Hamilton, who has won in Monte Carlo three times, was caught out at Massenet as he suddenly saw cars in front him after clearing the crest. He decelerated, lost control, and scraped along the barriers.
‘Damn, hit the wall – sorry, guys,’ said Hamilton to the concerned pit wall. He was running fifth in the timings when he pranged on the congested track.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton crashed out of practice for the Monaco Grand Prix at 175mph
Ferrari were given just two-and-half hours to put Hamilton’s car back together after the crash
He pulled up at Casino Square to inspect the damage, which looked repairable in time for qualifying.
Max Verstappen, victorious in Imola last week, was second quickest for Red Bull, 0.280sec off Leclerc’s pace, ahead of the crucial pole shoot-out which is due to start at 3pm BST.
