Russell's mea culpa: “I let myself get carried away by my emotions”

Very unhappy with the defensive management of Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) during a 2021 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix which ended with the retirement of both men following a collision, George Russell (Williams) backtracked on his social networks this Monday, April 19.

The English pilot broadcast a message in which he analyzed this accident and his behavior with hindsight. “I'm not very proud of yesterday (Sunday). I knew that this race was one of the best opportunities to score points this season and, when the smallest unit takes on immense value as is the case for our team at the moment, you sometimes take risks, says- he.

It didn't pay off and I must take responsibility for this outcome. Looking back, I know I should have behaved better. Emotions are running high and yesterday I let myself get carried away by my emotions. »

Huge crash between Bottas and Russell

The two drivers collide violently on the starting straight

Red flag #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/xVjOX1zqSA

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) April 18, 2021

George Russell apologizes, after Toto Wolff pointed out his behavior. " I apologize to Valtteri, my team and anyone who may have felt disappointed by my actions. That's not who I am and I need to be better than that, just as other people expect better from me.

I learned a hard lesson this weekend and it will make me a better driver and a better individual. Now I'm fully focused on the Portuguese Grand Prix, another opportunity to show what I can do.

Thank you for all your messages, positive and negative. They will help me grow. »

Find in issue 2308 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of F1 at Imola by our F1 journalists.