'My emotions got the better of me' - Russell apologises to Bottas after F1 crash

George Russell has issued a public apology to Valtteri Bottas for his actions following their spectacular race-ending crash at Formula 1’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Williams driver and Mercedes protege came to blows with Bottas when he tried to pass the Mercedes driver for ninth position in Sunday’s race, with both drivers ending up in the barriers in a violent shunt.

Russell and Bottas pinned the blame firmly on each other, with the furious Williams driver confronting Bottas about the accident in the direct aftermath. Bottas was seen gesticulating to Russell before the latter appeared to slap Bottas on the helmet.

SEE ALSO: Crash debates: Has Russell blown his chances of a Mercedes F1 seat? 

Russell revealed he had asked Bottas “if he was trying to kill us both”, before he appeared to soften his stance in a later media session held after the race.

On Monday he took to social media to issue a public apology for his actions, saying: “Yesterday wasn’t my proudest day.

“I knew it would be one of our best opportunities to score points this season and, when those points matter as much as they do to us right now, sometimes you take risks.

“It didn’t pay off and I have to take responsibility for that. Having had time to reflect on what happened afterwards, I know I should have handled the whole situation better. Emotions can run high in the heat of the moment and yesterday mine got the better of me.

“I apologise to Valtteri, to my team and to anyone who felt let down by my actions. That’s not who I am and I expect more from myself, as I know others expect more from me.

“I’ve learned some tough lessons this weekend and will come out of this a better driver and a better person for the experience.

“Now it’s full focus on Portugal and a chance to show what I’m really about. Thanks for all the messages, both positive and negative. They will all help me to grow.”