Lewis Hamilton has claimed delaying the start of the Monaco Grand Prix due to weather concerns was ‘not a good enough reason’. The seven-time champion said he had asked to start the race when the rain was only drizzling but the FIA decided to delay.
Eventually, FIA bosses allowed the cars to do a formation lap 15 minutes late but then the rain got heavier and the race was red flagged. The Monaco Grand Prix eventually started after a 45-minute delay while the worst of the heavy rain cleared.
However, Hamilton has demanded talks with FIA bosses in the next drivers’ briefing to ensure a similar situation never happens again. Hamilton said: “You think they didn’t do a good job? I was not saying it was a mistake.
“I don’t know the reason for them not sending us out at the get-go — but we are Formula 1 drivers so (the weather) is not a good enough reason. That is what I was saying. I was like ‘let’s go’ when it was just drizzling a little bit at the beginning.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton reacts to eighth place finish at Monaco GP
Instead, the FIA claimed a delay was because there had been ‘no wet running’ over the course of the race weekend. Their statement read: “Race control was monitoring a downpour that was rapidly approaching the circuit, and as it arrived during the start procedure, the safety car start and associated procedures were implemented.
“This was done for safety reasons in consideration that there has been no wet running this weekend.” Hamilton finished eighth in the Monaco Grand Prix as Mercedes’ struggles continued. Meanwhile, team-mate George Russell finished fifth to extend his advantage over Hamilton to 34 points.
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