Lewis Hamilton has suffered a slippery start to 2021 Formula One season as the Brit caused a red flag during pre-season testing in Bahrain, a country on the Middle East.
This happened when Hamilton got back behind the steering wheel of his Mercedes in the pre-season testing at Bahrain.
It would be recalled that he won a record-equalling seventh F1 title last season, weeks after bringing his contract saga to an end.
Following this, Hamilton signed a one year contract with Mercedes last month, granting him entrance into this year’s championship.
During day two of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Hamilton caused a red flag after his Mercedes lost control and spun into the gravel. The Brit managed to exit his vehicle without injury and was taken back to the paddocks by the race control car.
Stewards secured the vehicle airlifting the stricken Mercedes back to the garage and allowed the testing session to continue. It took roughly an hour for Silver Arrow (Mercedes crew) to put Hamilton back on the field.
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The 36-year-old later returned to the circuit to complete 58 laps, which he finished only eighth out of 10 runners.
Hamilton has been in Bahrain with team-mate Valtteri Bottas for the pre-season testing in their new car W12. Both drivers are still getting used to the new Mercedes’ W12 car, which was revealed to the world earlier this month.
W12 retains a similar look from last season’s W11, it has been updated with a flick of silver to the rear of the engine cover near the rear wing to represent the team’s traditional colour. it does have a trimmed floor and aerodynamic tweaks.
Hamilton will be hoping to create a record of eight F1 titles after equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven F1 titles last season. He opens the defence of his title in the Gulf Kingdom on March 28.
Meanwhile, former champion Fernando Alonso as well returned for testimg in Bahrain in the newly-branded Alpine car.
The testing in Bahrain has also given Formula One fans a first-sighting of Sebastian Vettel in the Aston Martin following his departure from Ferarri.
