George Russell makes five-word Max Verstappen admission after US GP sprint drama

George Russell confessed, "I was too far behind", after an audacious overtake attempt during his battle with Max Verstappen in the United States Grand Prix sprint race. The two rivals shared a tense fight for the race victory after both McLaren drivers were taken out of the race on the opening lap following contact sparked by Nico Hulkenberg.

The Brit, who signed a new contract with Mercedes earlier this week, started from sixth on the grid, but picked up positions after both McLaren drivers, Hulkenberg, and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso were caught up in the opening-lap clash. This left him running second behind Verstappen.

For the first handful of laps after the safety car restart, Russell stayed within DRS range of the RB21, and on lap nine, he attempted to catch Verstappen off guard. Sensing an opportunity, the Mercedes racer lunged up the inside but failed to make the apex, suffering a minor lock-up and forcing both cars onto the run-off area on the outside of Turn 12.

Verstappen protested on the radio, while Russell picked up a track limits violation. The stewards did note the incident, but decided that no further action was necessary as the Dutchman exited the corner with his advantage still intact. From there, he controlled the race to bring home a maximum eight-point haul.

"I knew you don't get many opportunities with Max, so I saw half a chance and sent it," Russell told Jenson Button during his post-race interview. "I was too far behind, but I'm glad I gave it a go."

MORE TO FOLLOW

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: http://express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @‌dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & http://Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook @‌dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and http://Express.co.uk .