Manhole cover millimeters away from injuring Russell!

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George Russell says the manhole cover he struck in FP1 on Friday in Baku was just "10-15 millimeters" away from penetrating the cockpit of his Williams.

The Brit raced over the cover which had been previously dislodged by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and the impact shattered the underside of his FW42, damaging the car beyond repair.

The incident led to the cancellation of the remainder of the morning session, which had just got underway, in order to allow for security checks of the over 300 manhole covers located around Baku's street circuit.

"I knew I hit something on the track but I didn’t realise it was a manhole cover," Russell explained.

"It was already quite bumpy down the straight as it is. But like I said was quite a shock when I smashed it, really dangerous.

FIA reveals reasons for Baku manhole issue in FP1

"If that was 10 or 15 millimetres higher it’s going straight into where I’m sat, so could have been much worse, but a shame for all the guys.

"You’ve got your full programme, plans for the weekend and it all gets thrown down the drain, literally."

Indeed, the extensive damage required Williams to build up a new chassis for Russell who was subsequently sidelined for Friday afternoon's FP2 session.

"It was obviously a very large hit, was just shocked more than anything," he added.

"On a street circuit there’s quite a few bumps and that was quite an aggressive one.

"As soon as I hit it the car turned off as it set the fire extinguishers off. Bit of a shame. I feel sorry for the mechanics who had to do this work when it was not their fault.

"These circuits are designed to the highest standards. One of those things.

"Everybody does their job. Nobody plans for this to happen but it’s just an unfortunate situation."

As unfortunate as they were, the circumstances warranted a strong reaction from Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams who called the incident "un acceptable".

While the team said the damaged monocoque would be repaired back at the factory, Williams insisted she would meet with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix organizers to discuss inevitable compensation for the damages incurred by her team.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.