George Russell believes he is “stronger” after what he called the “biggest mistake” of his Formula 1 career at Imola last year.
The Williams driver was running on the fringes of the points when he slid into the wall approaching Acque Minerali trying to warm his tyres behind the Safety Car.
“I made what is probably the biggest mistake of my career at Imola in 2020,” he admitted on Thursday.
“It’s a track where, if you make a mistake, you’re out. But that’s what racing should be about! I’ll look to try and rectify my mistake from last year with a good result this weekend.”
After the accident, Russell was seen disconsolately sat by the side of the track, but since then he has tried to use it to further his development.
“I think you need to recognise these moments, these moments make you stronger as a person, as a driver,” he explained.
“I cycled the track this morning and I didn’t get to that corner and look the other way. I think you have to face these disappointments in your career head-on and recognise it, which I’ve done since that mistake.
“Back here this weekend, it probably won’t even cross my mind once. If the same situation arises in the race again, I’ll still be pushing absolutely flat out. The consequences of what happened last year won’t be on my mind. Full beans ahead.”
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And as for Russell’s view of Imola, well that hasn’t changed at all.
“Imola is a fantastic circuit,” he added. “It’s very fast and you really need to be committed.
“It also has a lot of character that the newer tracks sometimes lack, and you feel that when you’re bouncing over the kerbs. I’m very happy that the track is back on the calendar this season.”