Azerbaijan Grand Prix – George Russell was left unable to participate in free practice two after requiring a new chassis due to the damage sustained by a drainage cover.
The Williams driver was the unfortunate victim of a loose drain cover in opening practice session. The suction caused by the car sent the cover into the underside of the car, damaging several parts of the car, including the floor and chassis.
This meant he requires a new chassis going forward, but the time loss meant he was forced to sit out of the second free practice session.
Speaking after the practice day, he conceded that all he could do was sit in on the debrief with team-mate Robert Kubica and try to gain as much knowledge as he could.
“It has been a tough day, it’s a shame for the guys to spend yesterday preparing the car to only do a couple of laps.
“I was going down the straight and I felt a big bang through the chassis and everything turned off; it’s just unfortunate.
“The plan right now is to go into debrief, listen to Robert’s comments and see what the guys have planned for tomorrow. Overall, today has been a bit of a frustration, but we must make the most of the situation and I will remain positive for the weekend ahead.”
Losing the opening free practice session wasn’t the ideal scenario for Kubica, either. The Pole has never raced at the Baku street circuit and conceded afterwards that he’s not feeling comfortable at the venue.
“It was not an ideal day losing FP1, I think everybody would have liked more track time, especially on a street circuit and for me this isn’t one I’ve raced on before.
“The track is very tricky. I spent time discovering it in FP2 but I don’t have much confidence, we are struggling overall with the grip and we cannot push the car as the tyres are not able to remain in the operating window.
“Additional time was lost during FP2 due to the red flags and it’s a shame we couldn’t drive both cars on the circuit.”
