© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
The Stewards announced they will take no further action against Valtteri Bottas and George Russell’s over their crash at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Here’s why.
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas were involved in a huge crash while they were battling over P9, which put them both out of the race. While they both blame each other, the FIA ruled it was a “racing incident”.
The ruling said that Bottas “maintained his line throughout the incident along the right-hand side of the dry line, leaving at least a full car’s width to the right at all times.”
When Russell attacked Bottas “the gap between them and the right-hand side of the track decreased”, which led to the two of them crashing into each other.
“At no time did either car manoeuvre erratically,” the Steward’s statement continued.
“The track appeared to be not especially wet through Turn 1 but at the point of closest approach to the right hand side of the track, the right-hand side tyres of Car 63 hit an especially damp patch and the car snap yawed, bearing in mind that the car had low downforce in the rear with the DRS open.
“The Stewards conclude that the accident was a racing incident considering the conditions and take no further action.”
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
In a post-race interview George Russell said Valtteri Bottas had made a small sudden movement while they were side by side, which broke a “gentleman’s agreement” between drivers.
“I don’t see it that way at all, I didn’t make any sudden moves,” Bottas gave his reply to Russell’s statement.
“I think it’s quite clear from his onboard as well, I always left a space. No, from my side, it was clean.
“Of course I’m defending, I’m not going to make any room for him. But also when I race, I have respect.
“So I see it differently to him,” concluded Bottas.
