Williams will be compensated for Russell smash

Azerbaijan Grand Prix promoter Arif Rahimov says Williams will be compensated for damage to George Russell's car. Russell's car was destroyed in Friday's first practice, when he ran over a loose manhole cover, which was sucked up and into the chassis of Russell's car.

Williams had to change the chassis on Russell's car – indeed Baku is the first race of 2019 that they have brought a spare to, according to reports.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams said the British team would talk to the FIA about compensation.

"As a street track, there are more than 300 of these covers and we checked all of them several days before the weekend," race promoter Rahimov was quoted by Ria Novosti news agency.

Rahimov said the manhole that came loose was rusted from underneath and therefore was "impossible to notice visually".

"These things happen, as they did also in Monaco and China and Malaysia, so it even happens on normal circuits," he said.

"We have apologised several times to the Williams team. The damage will be reimbursed by insurance.

Williams seek "hundreds of thousands" in compensation after Russell incident in BakuRead more

"We don't yet know what amount we are talking about, but it will definitely be covered."

The circuit also bought Williams a bouquet of flowers by way of apology, which were stood on display in the team's hospitality at the circuit on Saturday.

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