“This season is one thing after another,” rues Mercedes’ George Russell after accepting accountability for his collision with eventual race winner Max Verstappen halfway by the incident-filled Las Vegas race; Stewards handed Russell a five-second time penalty
Final Up to date: 19/11/23 11:14am
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George Russell and Max Verstappen collide and particles goes all over the place, finally resulting in a security automobile
George Russell and Max Verstappen collide and particles goes all over the place, finally resulting in a security automobile
George Russell accepted full blame for the collision with Max Verstappen that earned a penalty and dropped him down the ultimate order within the Las Vegas GP.
The Mercedes and Pink Bull drivers collided on lap 25 of Sunday’s dramatic race as Verstappen went to overhaul down the within into Flip 12.
Each automobiles sustained harm within the incident with stewards ruling that, as Verstappen had “a significant portion of the car alongside” on the nook apex, Russell was at fault and so warranted a five-second time penalty being utilized.
The sanction had expensive implications for Russell, who noticed a late surge to complete fourth on the street flip into eighth place as soon as the 5 seconds have been added to his race time.
“The incident with Max was totally my fault. I didn’t see him. Totally in my blind spot around Turn 11,” stated Russell to Sky Sports activities F1.
“I wasn’t actually anticipating the overtake there since you’ve obtained the large lengthy straight with DRS afterwards.
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Following qualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes’ Russell believes tyre strategy could be the key to victory
“We have been heading in the right direction for a simple podium. It was fairly easy. Recovered to P4 however the 5 seconds knocks us right down to P8.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I feel the scenario with Max was unlucky. Goes on us. Nothing to say to that.”
Verstappen, who went on to win the race, suspected Russell had indeed simply been caught unawares.
“I used to be fortunate that the entrance wing, the construction, did not break. I feel he simply did not see me, which is unlucky,” stated the triple champion.
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Verstappen gives his final thoughts on the Las Vegas GP after the Dutchman came out on top in an eventful race
“I went up the within considering that at one level he realised I used to be there, however I suppose he did not anticipate me to enter Flip 12. Then we obtained collectively.”
A rueful Russell said the incident and lost opportunity reflected the “story of our season”. The Mercedes driver had qualified third, a position he had held during a chaotic start before pitting for the first time for hard tyres – which he showed strong pace on – on lap 15.
“This season is one factor after one other,” said the Englishman, who has finished on the podium just once in 2023 back at June’s Spanish GP.
“In the end, the tempo was sturdy however not as sturdy because the Pink Bulls and Ferraris.
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The perfect of the motion from an eventful Las Vegas Grand Prix
“I think when you have a fast car, luck is always on your side and when you’re on the backfoot, luck is never on your side.
“In the end, we simply must carry on pushing, go into subsequent week and see what we will do.”
After the thrills of Las Vegas, Formula 1 heads to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit for the 2023 season finale and another stunning spectacle under the lights. Watch the Abu Dhabi weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with lights out on Sunday at 1pm. Stream F1 on Sky Sports activities with NOW
