“I was still sleeping” – Valtteri Bottas reveals George Russell tried to reach out after Imola crash

“I was still sleeping” – Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas reveals his ‘teammate’ George Russell gave him a call Monday morning after the crash between them at Imola.

George Russell might have publicly apologized to Valtteri Bottas after the Imola episode, but they are yet to have a one-to-one, Bottas has revealed. This after he missed a call from Russell the morning after the Grand Prix on that Sunday.

“I heard about his post and apology and I read it. To be honest, we haven’t spoken after the race or after the stewards.

“I did have a missed call Monday morning but I was still sleeping. We haven’t spoken but I am sure it is the same for George. It is done and dusted, it is history and there was no decision by the stewards. George apologized and it is time to move on.”

Russell and Bottas on their conversations with Toto Wolff

Bottas revealed he had a “normal” chat with his boss Toto Wolff heading into this weekend at Portimao. Mercedes would be keen to let go of the internal dispute between their drivers and instead focus on keeping Red Bull out of their reach.

“We had a chat after just to go through the situation which is normal. We agreed to take the positives, learn from the negatives and move on. It was one to forget but one positive is that it was only race two of the season and there are 21 to go.”

Russell, meanwhile, has spoken about how his relationship with Wolff has strengthened following the crash. Interesting take by the Brit, considering Wolff’s suggestion that the driver looks more fit for the Renault Clio Cup.

“Of course, Toto and I have spoken extensively since the incident. The contents of that will remain private.

“He has been very supportive, very constructive. Our relationship has not been damaged at all following the incident and if anything, quite the opposite.”

Read more “Lewis and Valtteri are teammates to me” – George Russell vows not to battle with his Mercedes ‘teammates’ in Portimao