Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean have offered support to George Russell after the Williams driver crashed out of Formula 1’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Russell qualified in 13th position at Imola and spent much of the race on the fringes of the top 10 as he chased the first points result of his Formula 1 career.
Max Verstappen’s exit elevated Russell into the top 10 but while warming his tyres under the Safety Car the Williams driver lost control of his FW43 and hit the wall.
Russell slumped against a trackside fence in “disbelief” and later called it “the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my career” as he apologised to Williams.
Williams went on to narrowly miss out on points as Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi held on to a top 10 spot, just seven-tenths clear of Nicholas Latifi, who recorded 11th for the third time this season.
Russell also apologised through his social media channels and contemporaries Hamilton and Grosjean provided their backing.
“Man, I know the feeling,” wrote Grosjean, who himself crashed out of a points-paying position behind the Safety Car in Azerbaijan two years ago.
“It will take some time to forget it, but what you do is mega. Keep pushing.”
Hamilton, who won the race, commented: “George, you were giving it your all. It’s ok to make mistakes and it’s ok to feel the pain. I’ve made more than I can remember.
“You’re great bud. Keep your head up and keep pushing, on to the next one!”
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