The recent Qatar Grand Prix was uneventful for the Mercedes team, and driver George Russell in particular. Despite starting the race at the second spot, right behind the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, he had undergone a massive setback. Although most drivers on the grid were nowhere close to competing with Verstappen for the title run, the teams are in a cut-throat match to secure P2 at the Constructors’ Championship after Red Bull bagged the top spot at Japan the week before.
During the race at the Lusail track, the seven-time World Champion on board, Lewis Hamilton was right behind Russell at P3 and crashed into him at the very first turn. Hamilton was in the pursuit of taking over his teammate as well as Max and made the blunder which cost them the chance for a podium finish. The 38-year-old driver did not last long on the track as the race ended for him while George had to return to the garage for repairs.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crashed! pic.twitter.com/H1vsWMRcRV
— Racey Video (@RaceySports) October 8, 2023
However, the young Briton on the Silver Arrows team acknowledged that this collision ended badly for the team. He said, “We believe that we were on pace or, if not, faster than McLaren. And seeing that Piastri finished so close to Max was really quite surprising. It was just a big missed opportunity for both of us.” Regardless, George Russell was certain that this incident could be a thing of the past that would not scar their relationship.
George Russell accepts Lewis Hamilton’s apology
The aftermath of the race for the Mercedes team was quite disheartening. Nevertheless, Hamilton took it upon himself and claimed full responsibility for this unfortunate incident. In a video shared by George Russell, Lewis was spotted as he approached his upset partner and said, “Sorry about today, it wasn’t your fault. Great job.” Hamilton was appreciated for owning up to his mistakes after whispers of a brewing rivalry between the duo.
“Sorry about today”
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton hug it out following their collision at the Qatar GP 🤗 pic.twitter.com/nSkqw9adP7
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 9, 2023
However, according to Russell, “Lewis and I will be fine. We’ve got a huge amount of respect for each other, nothing was intentional from either side. I definitely appreciate him apologizing for that, for sure. As I said on the radio in every incident it involves two people and I definitely appreciate what he said.” The drivers were involved in fierce and head-to-head competition in the last few races, including a major one at the Japanese Grand Prix.
This is indicative of the team spirit that the 25-year-old driver holds. In the end, it was Russell who received all the praise due to his sheer determination and driving prowess. As the crash pushed him to the back of the grid at P18, he did not give up and managed to secure the P4 spot which is quite impressive.