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Lewis Hamilton forced to apologise after leaving baseball cap on for Justin Wilson minute's silence at the Italian Grand Prix

Hamilton said he didn't realise it was a minute's silence

James Orr
Sunday 06 September 2015 17:50 BST
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Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza - before leaving his baseball cap on for Justin Wilson's minute's silence
Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza - before leaving his baseball cap on for Justin Wilson's minute's silence (GETTY IMAGES)

Lewis Hamilton has been forced to apologise after leaving his baseball cap on during a minute's silence for the late Justin Wilson.

Before today's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which Hamilton won, all 20 Formula 1 drivers gathered on the grid to pay tribute to Wilson, who died while racing in America last month.

Wilson died following suffering serious head injuries after being struck by debris while racing at an IndyCar series race. He was 37.

Hamilton encountered much criticism on social media for wearing the cap during the silence, and wrote on Twitter after the race:

"Guys, I honestly hadn't realise it was a minute of silence. I was so focused & listening to my music, I thought we were taking a photo," he tweeted.

"I have the upmost respect & appreciation for Justin & his family. My sincere apologies."

Hamilton was later confirmed as the winner of the Italian Grand Prix after an investigation into a tyre pressure breach.

Hamilton's Mercedes team were called to see the race stewards immediately after the Briton romped to victory in Monza.

But after a near two-hour investigation they reached a verdict to allow Hamilton to keep his victory.

It means Hamilton will head to the Singapore Grand Prix with a 53-point lead over Nico Rosberg who retired with an engine problem.

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