Grosjean crashes while warming tyres

Romain Grosjean admitted his crash in the Hungarian Grand Prix was a result of trying to warm up his tyres.

With the majority of the field having pitted for slick tyres behind the safety car, Grosjean slid in to the barriers on the exit of Turn 3, causing the safety car to have to stay out. Replays showed that there had been no contact with another car and Grosjean conceded he had lost control on a painted line as he weaved across the track to try and generate heat in his tyres.

"We didn't finish the race today which is very disappointing," Grosjean said. "The conditions on the circuit this afternoon were very tricky and we couldn't get the best out of the tyres. We made the right call to move to slicks when the safety car came out - like most of the grid did - but I made a mistake when I was trying to keep the tyres warm.

"Unfortunately, I touched the white line and spun and that was it. I feel very sorry for everyone in the team who are giving everything they can to give me the best car possible. Hopefully these last two weeks of work and the break ahead of us will help us move forward and come back stronger for the next race in Spa."

Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi didn't blame Grosjean for the incident due to the tricky conditions throughout the race.

"It was quite some race for us and for many teams too!" Gastaldi said. "Romain was unlucky to be caught out by the conditions as he had good potential in the race, but as we saw many drivers had moments off track today."