Former Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton crashed at more than 250km/h during Saturday’s qualifying session for the German Grand Prix.

The Briton climbed out of his car shaken and winded but with no apparent serious injury.

The impact came after the Mercedes driver’s brakes failed on entry to a hairpin leading into the stadium section of the Hockenheimring circuit.

Hamilton was able to tell the team by radio that he was okay and he was driven to the race medical centre for an examination.

The session was halted for repairs to the barriers.