Niki Lauda says Lewis Hamilton cannot take any of the blame for the first lap incident which saw both Hamilton and title rival Sebastian Vettel pit for repairs on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix.
There was instant drama at the start of Sunday's race as Max Verstappen claimed the lead off polesitter Vettel around the outside of Turn 1. Hamilton managed to get up to second briefly, but Vettel -- who suffered some oversteer on the exit of Turn 2 -- hit Hamilton's right-rear tyre and gave the Mercedes driver a puncture.
Vettel and Hamilton recovered to fourth and ninth respectively -- a result which means Hamilton was crowned champion.