Mercedes junior driver Russell’s battle with Bottas in the middle stages of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix ended in a serious accident when his Williams was in an incident decided by the Imola stewards to be a racing incident triggered by Russell putting his right wheels left in the Mercedes speared on a damp patch of asphalt.
Russell was repeatedly asked about the aftermath of the pre-weekend Portuguese GP incident after confronting Bottas in the gravel immediately after falling – what he described as “very poor judgment” in Portimao – and gave lively media interviews to give his perspective afterwards Imola then apologized to Bottas in a public statement the next day.
However, the British driver said Mercedes had not given him specific instructions for their factory drivers ‘race – a rare occurrence given Williams’ expected pace deficit compared to the seven-time world champion.
This follows Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff, who said Russell had “a lot to learn” and “never lose that global perspective” when he drives against a car from the manufacturer that helped his career.
“First of all, I think if we fight a Mercedes again we will do a very good job and be in a very good position. Hopefully we are under these circumstances,” said Russell.
“But no, there are definitely no rules for engagement [laid out]It’s just a bit more common sense. ”
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Russell also stated that he regards Hamilton and Bottas as “teammates” – just as he regards Nicholas Latifi at Williams.
He said, “As a driver, you’ve never planned an incident to crash and end your race, and certainly not with a teammate.
“I’m here about Mercedes, they got me through all the junior ranks, they really helped me into Formula 1 and as a result they’re family to me like Williams is family to me.
“Lewis and Valtteri are team-mates for me because Nicholas is a team-mate for me. As a racing driver, the number one rule is that you don’t crash with your teammate.
“That is now behind us, we live and learn and we will move on.”
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