Lewis Hamilton 'happy to take responsibility' for clash with teammate Russell

A furious George Russell lashed out at Lewis Hamilton following a dramatic crash with his Mercedes teammate at the very first corner of Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, crowned champion of the world for a third time following Saturday's sprint, started his title parade by racing to his 14th win from the 17 rounds so far.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri followed up his victory in Saturday's 19-lap dash by taking second place, while his McLaren teammate Lando Norris completed the podium.

But Verstappen's emphatic win and McLaren's continued resurgence played second fiddle to Hamilton's crash with Russell, which left the seven-time world champion in the gravel. Russell fought back from last to fourth.

Hamilton, third on the grid, attempted to drive around the outside of Russell, one starting place higher, and pole-sitter Verstappen in a gung-ho bid for glory.

But Hamilton tagged the front-left of Russell's machine. An out-of-control Hamilton was sent into the gravel with the right-rear wheel of his Mercedes flying off into the air.

Russell was sent spinning round before limping back to the pits for a new front wing. Out came the safety car and the inquest started.

"F****** hell," yelled Russell, 25. "Come on! What the hell! I have got damage."

Referencing their ding-dong battle at the last round in Japan, Russell added: "Guys, come on! Two races in a row."

Sitting in the sandtrap, Hamilton, 38, pointed the finger at his younger teammate.

"Yeah, I got taken out by my teammate," he said.

Mayhem for Mercedes at the start ??Hamilton ?? Russell#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/FJuzC6c2KE

Focussed on the race

Back on track and sitting at the rear of the field, Russell returned to the intercom.

"Sorry guys, I wasn't even looking," he added. "I