George Russell was present at the FIA press conference before the Japanese GP after being involved in a serious accident at the last Australian GP that led to the controversial penalty in Fernando Alonso for reckless driving after braking too soon according to officials.
It was a decision that generated a lot of debate from the first moment but for the British Mercedes It was right not to set a precedent for future matches on the track. On the other hand, Russell also admitted that
“I think it was obviously a strange situation that happened last week. As I said before, it took me completely by surprise. Actually I’m looking at the steering wheel shifting gears straight away, what we all do along the wayand when I opened my eyes I was in Fernando’s gearbox and it was too late and the next thing I knew I was up against a wall.”
“So, I think if I am not penalized, I will do it would have opened a Pandora’s box for the rest of the season and the lower categories. You can say, ‘Are you allowed to brake straight, are you allowed to slow down, change gears, accelerate, do something a little erratic?’
No hard feelings
Russell and Alonso have a good relationship and both drivers made it clear that this incident will not change their friendship. In fact, as George himself explained, they met again in a cafe after Australia and never mentioned the subject.
“By chance, we ran into each other at a coffee shop. It wasn’t personal, When we wear a helmet we are gladiators and when we take it off we have respect. The emotions of the moment are left behind. We didn’t talk about it in the cafeteria, but he didn’t invite me for coffee… It’s a thing of the past,” he joked.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
