Mazepin blames "stressed" Latifi for Williams wall shunt

Nikita Mazepin has blamed a "stressed" Nicholas Latifi for the collision that sent the Williams driver into retirement at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Williams driver Latifi spun at Acque Minerale on the opening lap at Imola, and as he returned to the circuit he collided with Mazepin, crashing heavily into the barriers in wet conditions.

The Haas driver laid the blame for the accident on Latifi whose emotions he believes were running high after the initial error.

"He came back from off-track, I don't think he knew I was there," said Mazepin.

"With these cars, if you go on the grass, if it is wet, you go to the wall so I stayed and gave him all the room I had.

"But I don't think he was aware that I was there because you are obviously stressed when you go off and come back onto the circuit and I think that was just unfortunate for him."

Despite propping up the field on his second start, Mazepin can take positives from completing his first grand prix in difficult conditions on one of the most challenging circuits in world motorsport.

"Definitely better than last time," added the Russian, referencing his first-lap crash in Bahrain.

"So much happened in this race from starting on the wets and not really expecting it because the sunshine was not long before the start and the red flag.

"Loads of things happened but a good learning experience in the bag and to see the chequered flag was good."

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