George Russell blames Mercedes for losing Brazilian GP to Max Verstappen
George Russell called out Mercedes crew for a botched strategy at the Brazilian GP which ultimately cost him the race victory.
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Max Verstappen and George Russell (via Motorsport Images)
George Russell had a great shot at contending for the race win at the Brazilian GP after achieving a front-row qualifying. However, the extremely unsafe conditions in the race caused Mercedes to move ahead with an uncertain strategy. Russell had to pit under the safety car just before the red flag which cost him the race win against Max Verstappen.
George Russell‘s crew decided to pit under the safety car caused by Nico Hulkenberg beaching his VF-24. This was immediately followed by Franco Colapinto crashing under the safety car and causing a red flag to the session. Hence, speaking upon the botched pit stop strategy, Russell noted that it cost him the win. However, the Briton took it to the chin and claimed that he was satisfied with a P4 finish.
It did [cost the win]. We’re in this together as a team. Already taking P4 ahead of the weekend, we’ll get over it.
George Russell told GPblog
The rain-laden Brazilian GP put forth some extremely dangerous and uncertain situations for the drivers’ on track. The red flag was one of many such incidents which made the race weekend more interesting. Russell reckoned that it was difficult to predict what would happen during the race. The 26-year-old was still satisfied as the team tried their best and made the best calls possible with the scarce information.
Sometimes it’s difficult to predict what’s about to happen. Everybody’s doing their best and making the best calls with the information available.
George Russell added
George Russell berated the ‘exceptionally dangerous’ situation at the Brazilian GP
The Brazilian GP was conducted despite the torrential conditions at the circuit and multiple crashes on track. Hence, George Russell ill-talked FIA’s decision to continue the race, ignoring the risks involved. Russell declared that he was ‘shocked’ on witnessing the race being restarted after the red flag despite exceptionally dangerous conditions.
I was shocked to be honest. I couldn’t keep my foot on the gas down the straight. The car was aquaplaning. Exceptionally dangerous for those couple of laps, but they like action I guess.
George Russell noted
The drivers have already come forth and raised their voices against the Brazilian GP being conducted amidst the rains. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) moved the motion forward to implement more safety in the sport. The GPDA also formed an Instagram account and is looking to demand safer conditions for the driver in Formula 1.
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Aditya Pandya
(1440 Articles Published)