A faulty airgun led to the right-front tyre of Hamilton’s McLaren not being fitted properly, resulting in the car hurtling into a tyre barrier.

On-board camera footage showed Hamilton flexing his feet and hands as he appeared to ease whatever pain he was feeling.

Moments later, after stepping out of the car, his legs gave away and he slumped onto the gravel before being attended to by medics.

Tests and CT scans later cleared Hamilton, who was given the green light to race after a final mandatory check yesterday by the FIA’s medical delegate, Dr Gary Hartstein.

Following a chaotic grand prix at the German track, Hamilton could only finish ninth, ending his run of nine successive podiums to start his debut year.

Hamilton was still smiling after the event, although it was clear his accident was quite a traumatic experience at the time.

“It (the wheel loosening) caught me off guard,” said the 22-year-old.

“The lap was going really well, and all of a sudden I went up to turn eight and something just happened. I lost grip and went straight on.

“At that point you’re just a passenger, so you just hold on for dear life and when you hit the wall you hope it’s not so painful. But it was very, very painful in my chest and legs, which is why I waited for a while before I got out.

“Eventually I was able to climb out, but then I had problems with my legs. I think with the shock I couldn’t stand up. I was, at least, conscious but I was just in pain in my chest, and now I’ve got this big bruise.

“The medical team did a great job, though, and thanks to them for being so professional.”

Remarkably, once the shock had worn off, Hamilton conceded he was eager to get back into the car as soon as possible.

“I wanted to race,” added Hamilton.

“Even when I got out of the car I asked the medical team, ’when can I use the spare car? How badly damaged is my car?’ I was wondering if I would be able to use it the next day, and what would happen.

“So it was great to find out that I could race.”