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SAO PAULO. — Newly crowned Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his preparations for this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix were disrupted by a minor road accident.
Hamilton, who has also been battling a fever, flew to Sao Paulo on Wednesday, having delayed his departure by a day following medical advice.
Before departing, the British three-time world champion revealed on Instagram that he had been involved in a road accident in Monaco on Monday, but had escaped unharmed.
“Dear TeamLH, just wanted to let you know why things have been quiet on social media the past few days,” Hamilton wrote. “I’ve not been well with a fever, but I also had a road accident in Monaco on Monday night.
“Whilst ultimately, it is nobody’s business, there are people knowing my position that will try to take advantage of the situation and make a quick buck. NO problem.
“Nobody was hurt, which is the most important thing. But the car was obviously damaged and I made very light contact with a stationary vehicle.
“Talking with the team and my doctor, we decided together that it was best for me to rest at home and leave a day later.”
The Mercedes driver (30) claimed his third world championship following victory in the United States Grand Prix last month.
Hamilton intends to climb off his sick bed to realise a childhood dream with a first victory on the native soil of his hero Ayrton Senna in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
The three-time drivers world champion delayed his arrival in Brazil by 24 hours on Wednesday on doctors’ orders after falling ill, but his Mercedes team made clear he has every intention of racing for his first win in Brazil at the ninth attempt.
“It was a dream of mine to race in Sao Paulo when I was younger,” he said.
“I always feel his (Senna) presence when I am there – it is a very special race for me.
“It’s amazing to think that it took Ayrton eight attempts to win this race and it’s one of the few that I haven’t won yet myself so, if I can change that this weekend, it would be a salute to him and another highlight to add to this amazing year.
“I will be going all out to make it happen.”
Hamilton was due to take part in a news conference on Wednesday, but had to cancel due to illness after being advised not to fly by doctors.
“He’s arriving a day later than scheduled, as he was unwell,” said a Mercedes spokesman, who quashed local reports that the champion was not fit to race. “But he will be here tomorrow (Thursday).”
Hamilton knows he faces a tough fight to end his winless run on the undulating Interlagos track where, in eight attempts, he has secured only two podium finishes, but where, in 2008, he claimed his maiden title with a dramatic last-corner overtaking move that secured fifth place.
His Mercedes team-mate German Nico Rosberg, who won last year, wants to add to his victory in Mexico with another win and a fifth straight pole position. — AFP.
Online Reporter