Russell thankful for halo in 'very scary' Giovinazzi crash

George Russell was thankful for the protection offered by the halo cockpit safety device when he hit a loose wheel from Antonio Giovinazzi's crashed Alfa Romeo in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell was one car behind the Italian when the latter lost it on the exit of Les Fagnes on lap 10. While Giovinazzi's Alfa teammate Kimi Raikkonen steered clear of the wreck, Russell was forced to take avoiding action as the Alfa bounced back across the track, the Williams driver hitting a wheel that pitched his car into the tyre barrier.

• Hamilton wins in Spa to extend championship lead

Russell considered himself "very lucky" to have avoided injury, praising the halo for its protective role," said the Williams charger.

"It is frustrating, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and there was nothing we could do

"If I went to the right, that’s where Antonio’s car was, and at the left side of the track, I had a massive impact with the tyre.

"But I have to say you feel much safer in the car now with the halo. When I saw this massive tyre coming towards me, it was quite scary to be honest.

"So I’m very thankful that we have this halo on the car right now. I’m all fine. Just a little bit frustrated obviously. But that’s racing sometimes.

"Up until that point I was in a good rhythm. I had overtaken the Haas, but it would have been a long and difficult race out there for us."

©Formula1

Giovinazzi said a snap of oversteer on the exit of the left-hand corner had left him helpless.

"Unfortunately, I had a snap of oversteer on the exit, nothing I could do," said the Alfa charger.

"I'm just sorry for my team after what happened today. But I have to reset my mind right now for Italy.

"I feel really sorry for [Russell], as I destroyed his race as well. Really unfortunate what happened to him. I'm just sorry."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter