Hamilton praises Russell for Imola crash apology

Lewis Hamilton has praised George Russell for admitting emotions got the better of him in the immediate aftermath of his collision with Valtteri Bottas at Imola.

Russell was lining up an audacious move around the outside of Bottas at Tamburello on lap 32 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix when he lost control of his Williams on the damp track surface and the pair collided.

The Briton was initially enraged by the incident, believing Bottas had defended beyond the limit of what was acceptable.

Speaking to the media, Russell accused the Finn of "trying to kill us both", a comment he has since retracted in a poignant apology via social media.

Responding directly to Russell's post, Hamilton said: "Strength comes from vulnerability. If you don’t make the mistake you can never learn the lesson. Respect for taking responsibility. On to the next one."

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This was not the first time Hamilton has offered words of advice to the younger generation of drivers making their way into F1 after the seven-time champion also consoled McLaren driver Lando Norris following his Imola qualifying heartbreak.

Also offering words of encouragement to the Williams driver was 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who commented: "Lots of racing lessons still to learn. You’ve already got one more lesson under your belt since yesterday."

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