Lewis Hamilton crashes early on Mercedes Formula 1 test debut
Lewis Hamilton's first proper day of Formula 1 testing with Mercedes got off to a bad start on Wednesday when he crashed the team's new W04

The Briton, who has joined the team from McLaren, had been third quickest in the morning when, after 15 laps, he ran off the track at the Dry Sack hairpin.
Television footage of the incident showed he had locked up in the braking area of the corner, before skipping across the gravel trap and nosing into the barriers.
Hamilton was able to climb out of the car unaided, and returned to the pits.
Damage to the car appeared to be limited to the front wing and front suspension, and Mercedes is likely to be able to get it repaired for later in the day.
There was no initial answer from the team as to whether the accident had been caused by a mechanical problem or driver error.
The setback comes just 24 hours after Mercedes' first day of running was also cut short when team-mate Nico Rosberg was stopped on track with an electrical problem.
Revisions to the team's wiring loom were required overnight, which meant Rosberg had been unable to resume running during the afternoon session.
Despite the reliability disappointment, Rosberg had still been encouraged by what he had experienced with the car.
AUTOSPORT special testing coverage:
Gallery Testing blog Technical blog Live commentary Trackside analysis

Previous article
Jean-Eric Vergne not worried he might lose Toro Rosso F1 seat
Next article
Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes F1 test crash caused by brake issue

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Lewis Hamilton |
Teams | Mercedes |
Author | Jonathan Noble |
Lewis Hamilton crashes early on Mercedes Formula 1 test debut
Trending
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...