Disaster struck on lap 32 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. George Russell, in his Williams, was bidding to overtake Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas. But all of it unraveled as the two had a high-speed collision on the start-finish straight. And Russell is not biting his tongue.
As soon as he got of his damaged car, he proceeded to confront Bottas. The heated exchange ended in him tapping the Finn on his helmet as he laid stationary inside his car. He’s since taken to Twitter to further his take on their crash.
“Thanks for all the messages. I’m fine, just disappointed. At the end of the day, it’s an unfortunate incident. You’re entitled to defend your position. But at 330kph, you have to respect the speed and the conditions when doing so. Gutted for the team. They deserved more today.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thanks for all the messages. I'm fine, just disappointed. At the end of the day, it's an unfortunate incident. You're entitled to defend your position. But at 330kph, you have to respect the speed and the conditions when doing so. Gutted for the team. They deserved more today.
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 18, 2021
Cleary, he is frustrated to not get a result here. He recently called this weekend as Williams‘ best chance to record points finish. And he was on course, running in 10th place and on the cusp of overtaking Bottas for ninth before disaster struck.
On the main straight, it appeared that Bottas slightly changed his line as Russell came close to him. This prompted Russell to take a precautionary reaction and move to the right. His wheels touched the grass, and he lost control of his car, spinning into Bottas sideways.
Twitter’s reaction to George Russell-Valtteri Bottas crash
Twitter had a field day with this crash. For the 2022 season, it is believed that the duo are contesting for the second Mercedes seat. They were also teammates in Sakhir when Russell outclassed Bottas.
George Russell trying to show Toto wolff he deserves that mercedes seat#ImolaGP#WTF1 pic.twitter.com/4Nx2bcYcmb
— Belko F1 (@belko_f1) April 18, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The general consensus is that Bottas is to blame for their Imola clash. Most fans felt sympathy for George Russell, who simply can’t manage to get a points finish in his Williams career.
George Russell pic.twitter.com/Ak2JlrPyKf
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) April 18, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This incident brought out the red flag as the FIA suspended the race. This was done to ensure that the marshalls could safely carry their stricken cars off the track. The race had then resumed, with Max Verstappen winning the race and Hamilton recovering to take second ahead of Lando Norris.
Read More: Valtteri Bottas Gives Tour Of Mercedes’ Special Motorhome