George Russell has denied slapping Valtteri Bottas’ on the helmet after their high speed Imola crash. The Williams driver, who appears to be in direct competition for the works Mercedes seat for 2022, has now apologised for lashing out at Bottas verbally and physically before the Finn had emerged from his wrecked car on Sunday. “Well, I’ve never been in a position where I’m fighting against a Mercedes,” he responded. “Williams hasn’t been there in probably five years, so it hasn’t even crossed my mind how I would fight against a Mercedes.”. As for 31-year-old Bottas, the Finn has kept a low profile since the crash but he described Russell’s driving as “overly aggressive”.

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