Not A Good Day For Hamilton...

February 6, 2013

Lewis Hamilton's first official test for new team Mercedes came to an abrupt halt after he lost control of his new car before planting its nose in the barrier.

Hamilton locked up his brakes at 170mph heading into turn six of the Circuito de Jerez before careering straight across the gravel trap on his 15th lap of the morning session in southern Spain.

The accident caused the session to be red flagged as Hamilton's brand new Mercedes W04 was transported back to the garage for the damage to be assessed. Thankfully the contact with the barrier appeared to be light.

Blow: Lewis Hamilton lost control of his Mercedes after just 14 laps of testing in Jerez

Hamilton’s hopes of a swift return to the track appeared to be in jeopardy following a further communique from Mercedes which confirmed the accident had damaged the front suspension and associated aerodynamic parts. The brake problem was traced to a hydraulic line connected to the right-rear brake caliper.

'Lewis suffered a loss of rear brake pressure, the front brakes enabled him to slow the car but he couldn't avoid the barrier,' a tweet from Mercedes read.

Wreck: A Mercedes engineer removes debris following the accident as Hamilton leaves the scene

'Obvious damage to the front wing and nose; we are checking the car over now. Lewis himself is fine.'

Team-mate Nico Rosberg completed just 14 laps on Tuesday following an electrical fault which led to a small, short fire and the replacement of the wiring loom on the W04. Following lengthy repairs by the team, Hamilton was at least able to make his debut on time for the second day of the opening pre-season test at the Circuito de Jerez.

Bad day at the office: The incident will come as a blow to Hamilton after leaving McLaren to join Mercedes

Thumbs up: Hamilton emerged unscathed after the crash

Hamilton emerged unscathed from a car that was soon recovered from the barrier, covered with a black tarpaulin and craned on to the back of a flatbed truck before being taken back to the garage.

The incident is a blow given Hamilton has already spoken of his need to maximise every second in the car ahead of the season opener in Australia in six weeks as he strives acclimatise with his new team following his decision to leave McLaren.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will screen the final pre-season test later this month in 3D. It will be the first time the sport of Formula One has been screened in 3D and it follows in the path of football, golf and the London Olympics.

On track: The Mercedes new boy managed to complete just 14 laps before the incident

Flaming heck: Nico Rosberg's Mercedes on fire on Tuesday