close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Russell at the Bahrain GP

FIA reject Russell "early" DRS crash cause claim

Russell at the Bahrain GP — Photo: © LAT Images

FIA reject Russell "early" DRS crash cause claim

Russell suggested the conditions were not suited to the overtaking aid

FIA race director Michael Masi has rejected claims from George Russell that the activation of DRS on a drying Imola track was a factor in the high-speed crash between the Williams and Valtteri Bottas.

Russell was attempting to overtake Bottas into Tamburello just a few laps after both had pitted for medium slick tyres as the rain subsided in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The British driver, however, lost control as the wheels on the right-hand side of his car touched the grass, resulting in a heavy collision at 200mph. Whilst Russell was initially critical of Bottas' driving, he has since issued an apology to the Finn.

The 23-year-old, however, suggested the decision to enable DRS in those conditions was a mistake and played a part in the crash.

"In hindsight, given the conditions, given the circuit, that the straight is not straight, the DRS probably should not have been activated," said Russell.

Masi, however, pointed to a number of other overtaking manoeuvres as proof DRS was not a cause for the frightening incident.

"Having looked at it at the time, it was obviously something we were monitoring closely," said Masi.

"To be fair, there were a number of DRS overtakes that were completed successfully before and after.

"So no, I don't think it was [the cause]. Looking at all of the footage, the track was all fine from our perspective and there were no issues on that end."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

McLaren boss announces major F1 upgrades as Ferrari and Mercedes put on red alert

McLaren boss announces major F1 upgrades as Ferrari and Mercedes put on red alert

  • 3 hours ago
Adrian Newey friend fears for Aston Martin F1 project: 'He's not doing well'

Adrian Newey friend fears for Aston Martin F1 project: 'He's not doing well'

  • 3 hours ago
'Mattia Binotto clashes' led to blockbuster Audi F1 exit

'Mattia Binotto clashes' led to blockbuster Audi F1 exit

  • Yesterday 22:00
Aston Martin set for more F1 pain as Honda issue official statement

Aston Martin set for more F1 pain as Honda issue official statement

  • Yesterday 21:12
F1 News Today: Aston Martin to swap drivers as Lance Stroll issues 'piece of s***' verdict

F1 News Today: Aston Martin to swap drivers as Lance Stroll issues 'piece of s***' verdict

  • Yesterday 20:42
Verstappen 'looking for Mercedes F1 move' as pressure ramps up on Russell and Antonelli

Verstappen 'looking for Mercedes F1 move' as pressure ramps up on Russell and Antonelli

  • Yesterday 20:27

Just in

24-3
McLaren boss announces major F1 upgrades as Ferrari and Mercedes put on red alert
24-3
Adrian Newey friend fears for Aston Martin F1 project: 'He's not doing well'
24-3
'Mattia Binotto clashes' led to blockbuster Audi F1 exit
24-3
Aston Martin set for more F1 pain as Honda issue official statement
24-3
F1 News Today: Aston Martin to swap drivers as Lance Stroll issues 'piece of s***' verdict
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

McLaren boss announces major F1 upgrades as Ferrari and Mercedes put on red alert McLaren F1

McLaren boss announces major F1 upgrades as Ferrari and Mercedes put on red alert

3 hours ago
'Mattia Binotto clashes' led to blockbuster Audi F1 exit Audi F1

'Mattia Binotto clashes' led to blockbuster Audi F1 exit

Yesterday 22:00
Verstappen 'looking for Mercedes F1 move' as pressure ramps up on Russell and Antonelli Max Verstappen

Verstappen 'looking for Mercedes F1 move' as pressure ramps up on Russell and Antonelli

Yesterday 20:27
Lance Stroll's brutal Aston Martin F1 takedown: 'Worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven' Aston Martin F1

Lance Stroll's brutal Aston Martin F1 takedown: 'Worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven'

Yesterday 19:44
Ontdek het op Google Play
x