Valtteri Bottas and George Russell faced elimination after both their cars collided on the first chicane around the halfway mark of the race on Sunday in Imola.
The collision led to a red flag which suspended the race as there was debris all over the track with 30 laps remaining.
Russell was picking up on Bottas down the main straight. In order to try and move around the Mercedes, he moved to the right-hand side of the track.
But, the Williams driver ended up touching the white line on the track side which made him lose control and spear right into Bottas.
Both drivers were upset with the outcome of the incident. Russell made his way to the cockpit of Bottas’ car and tapped his helmet. The Finn responded with a middle finger.
After the crash, Bottas made it absolutely clear that the accident was Russell’s fault as there was enough room for him.
“I could see him earlier on the straight, then I noticed that he moved to the right,” Bottas said.
“From the replays I saw, I always left space for two cars to be there, but he obviously lost it and hit me, and that was game over.”
Asked about Russell’s reaction, Bottas said, “I don’t know what he was on about, because it was clearly his mistake.
“So I was not happy with him. But that’s how it is.”
Bottas is yet to speak to Russell about the crash and will do so after the stewards investigate the scenario. Russell also took to Twitter to explain his version of what had happened during that intense moment.
“At the end of the day, it’s an unfortunate incident,” Russell wrote. “You’re entitled to defend your position. But at 330kph, you have to respect the speed and the conditions when doing so.
“Gutted for the team. They deserved more today.”
Who do you think was to be blamed for the crash? Let us know in the comments below!
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