Mercedes driver George Russell spoke out on Thursday for the first time since his dramatic crash with Fernando Alonso in the Australian Grand Prix last month and said race officials need to respond more quickly to such incidents to avoid a
catastrophe.

Alonso was given a 20-second penalty for what stewards called his “unusual manoeuver” with Russell behind him.

Russell, speaking before Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, said he saw Alonso in a coffee shop days after the Australian race.

“We both move forward from this,” Russell said.

Asked if he had talked to Alonso about the incident in the coffee shop, he replied. “No, we didn’t. He didn’t get my coffee, though.”

Despite that jocular tone, Russell also described his fear after the crash and being on the track where cars reach speeds of 250 kph.

“It was an incredible position to be in.” Russell said of the crash at Turn No. 6. “You’re on a blind bend — 250km per hour, right on the racing line with the car half upside down. You’re waiting for a disaster to happen.”

Russell called for a quicker response time and the use of technology to help do it.