OMNISPORT

Lewis Hamilton has apologized for suggesting Sergey Sirotkin pulled off a "disrespectful move" during Saturday's qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The newly crowned world champion moved to the left to create space for the Williams to come past him during Q2, only for Sirotkin to take the same line. Sirotkin quickly swerved to avert the danger, but Hamilton criticized the maneuver, saying: "I don't know what his thinking was."

However, after reviewing the incident, Hamilton – who went on to claim pole – admitted he had over-reacted in the aftermath. In an Instagram story, Hamilton posted: "Morning world. I woke this morning feeling I should correct some of the words I used yesterday.

"I was wrong, it wasn't a disrespectful move by Sergey, it was a misunderstanding and I honestly attempted to get out of his way.

"Didn't work that well but s*** happens and I respect the way he handled it."