Lewis Hamilton picked up damage in the early stages of Saturday's Austrian Grand Prix Sprint which contributed to his struggles against Mick Schumacher later in the race, the Brit has revealed.
Hamilton gained a place during the 23-lap dash, earning a point and a slightly higher grid slot for Sunday's main event. But he was made to work hard for it, after contact on the first lap and a protracted battle with Schumacher in the final few laps.
The seven-time world champion was the meat in a sandwich between Alexander Albon and Pierre Gasly as the lights went out at the Red Bull Ring. It left him powerless to prevent his wheel making contact with the AlphaTauri to his right, which was sent off into a spin at turn one.
