At the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, George Russell did his relationship with the Mercedes team no favors. After he collided with Valtteri Bottas, Russell blamed the Finn, but team boss Toto Wolff was not buying it. The Austrian insisted that the Briton raced too hard against the older driver, and it cost both of them.

The FIA declared that the collision was just a “racing incident,” but Wolff had stern words for Russell. According to him, the Mercedes junior driver should not have taken risks, especially when up against one of the works cars. Wolff recalled Ayrton Senna’s famous dialogue, “If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are not a racing driver.’ However, he did note that the move was a little too aggressive for his liking.

George Russell changed his tune after gaining some perspective

In the immediate aftermath of the race, Russell kept insisting that he was in the right. However, in a recent conversation, he confessed that he saw the situation from Wolff’s perspective.

He said, “There was a lot of things I have taken away from it. I think firstly as a racing driver one of the rules is that you should never crash with a team mate and for me personally obviously Valtteri is a in a different car but I am a Mercedes-backed driver, I am in the position because of Mercedes. Lewis and Valtteri are team mates to me of sorts.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco

April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I think that is one thing that didn’t go through my mind in the heat of the moment.”

A day after the race, a much calmer George Russell publicly apologized for his role in the accident. This was largely a response to his red-blooded reaction to the Finn when the Williams driver stepped out of the car. Russell acknowledged the stewards’ decision and kicked himself for reacting too strongly.

Despite this, the young Briton is not going to change his approach to racing. In his words, if an opportunity presents itself, he will simply take it and hope for the best. However, George Russell needs to learn to handle himself properly when things do not go his way.

Added Pressure of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell Affecting Valtteri Bottas, Claims Former Teammate