Australian GP: Hamilton clarifies on angry radio message to Mercedes during Russell battle

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has issued a clarification over his outburst on team rio during Australian GP. Mercedes F1 team finished 3rd (George Russell) and 4th (Lewis Hamilton) respectively. result at Australian GP race meant Mercedes is currently second in constructors’ championship, 10 points ahe of ir rival Red Bull.

Australia GP: Lewis Hamilton clarifies air on Mercedes rio outburst

Lewis Hamilton qualified in fifth spot during qualification and h me it up to third spot during race. However, Hamilton was overtaken by teammate George Russell in race who pitted under Safety Car. While race was entering closing sts, Hamilton can be heard telling his engineer Pete Bonnington over rio: "You guys put me in a really difficult position."

Mercedes driver was later asked if his outburst on Mercedes rio was over George Russell going ahe of him during race to which he explained it was issue with car and t Russell overtaking him. Hamilton in his reply said “I couldn’t fight for third because engine was overheating so I h to back off,” he said. “I just h to sit behind, but you kw – we bagged as many points as we could as a team and that’s great.”

Australian GP: Charles LeClerc wins, Max Verstappen suffers second retirement

Ferrari's Charles LeClerc extended points gap on top of driver's championship following his victory at Melbourne Park. Sergio Perez finished second and Mercedes’ George Russell claimed third spot. For defending champion Max Verstappen Australian GP race was an unforgettable one as he h to retire due to engine problems.

Charles Leclerc kept his rival Verstappen at bay through two Safety Cars – first when teammate Carlos Sainz spun out from P14 on Lap 2, and second on Lap 23 after Sebastian Vettel’s crash. However, Verstappen's challenge ended with his engine on fire.  McLaren finished race in 5th and 6th spot. Lando rris claimed 5th spot ahe of home hero Daniel Ricciardo. Esteban Ocon was eight seconds back in P7.

Valtteri Bottas gained places to finish 8th having started from12th. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly drop from P8 to P9 following his mistake. Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon stopped late before claiming 10th spot in race to give Williams a deserved first point of 2022.