F1 News
Russell speaks out about 'near-340 km/h' crash with Perez
- Corwin Kunst
George Russell started the Italian Grand Prix in third, but the Mercedes driver never came close to the podium for a moment. The Briton crossed the line in seventh place after a disappointing start. Before that, he had yet to overtake Sergio Perez, but an overtake on the Mexican almost went wrong for Russell.
On the first lap, Russell braked and had to slalom between the gates to get back on track. In doing so, he lost several places. "I just got caught out by Oscar's [Piastri] breaking point. I touched the brakes, I started locking up because I was so close to him, and I had to take avoiding action. It's quite upsetting when your whole weekend goes away from you so quick. But looking at the pace afterwards, I don't think we would have been able to keep up with the McLarens and Ferraris," he said honestly.
The 26-year-old driver also damaged his front wing at the start and therefore had to go in early. By changing that wing, Russell lost even more seconds than in a normal pit stop. "It was a really disappointing day, but ultimately, we didn't have the pace. The sport's a bit strange at the moment with how Red Bull have lost so much pace. Ferrari seemed to be struggling in Zandvoort and all the races prior, but then they were so quick on Sunday in Zandvoort and this whole weekend, so they're already there."
Near-crash with Perez
On the 31st lap, Russell managed to pass Sergio Perez's RB20. Whether he had enjoyed that duel with the Red Bull driver? "I'm not sure you can describe that fun because I thought I was about to go airborne when he was squeezing me at 340 kilometres per hour. But it was hard racing, and at least I am happy that I managed to gain a position."
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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