George Russell Hits out at F1’s ‘Flawed’ New Rule for Monaco GP

George Russell is not mincing his words while criticizing F1's newly mandated two-stop strategy for the teams at the Monaco GP.

George Russell Hits out at F1’s ‘Flawed’ New Rule for Monaco GP

George Russell (via IMAGO)

Formula 1 announced a mandatory two-stop rule for the 2025 Monaco GP in hopes of improving racing action and facilitating better overtaking and strategy. However, as depicted by the main event, multiple teams intentionally slowed down the grid in order to achieve a better finish. George Russell was a victim of such controversial team tactics from Williams, as he received a penalty for his actions. The Briton has now lashed out at the sport for such flaws in their rules, especially for Monaco.

George Russell overtook Alex Albon from outside the track at turn 10 as the latter was intentionally driving slowly to help his teammate Carlos Sainz remain in contention for points. Russell felt irritated by the petty tactics and simply overtook the Williams driver and asked to be hit with the penalty. Despite receiving a drive-through penalty, the Briton did not give back the sport and accepted the penalty, effectively dropping him to P11 in the pecking order.

After being dropped in positions due to the penalty, George Russell has now hit out at the flawed rules of the race. The Briton pinpointed that regardless of pitting on the first lap or the last lap, the drivers effectively remained in the same spot. On the contrary, he improved his overall finish due to his maneuver against Albon that helped him extend his gap to the drivers behind the two Williams.

You pit on lap one, you would have finished nowhere. You go long, you finish nowhere. Ironically, I finished in a higher position by doing my manoeuvre with Alex, than I would have done if I hadn’t. So, that in itself proves the system is pretty flawed.

George Russell told media including RacingNews365

Despite being agitated towards Williams for intentionally slowing the grid behind them, Russell accepts that Mercedes had planned a similar strategy. However, both the Silver Arrows started the race from P14 and P15, which meant that their strategy wouldn’t work. Hence, the 27-year-old was forced to make a risky move against Albon and cede the penalty to improve his finish in the pecking order.

We had planned with Kimi and I to basically have the same strategy as what VCARB and Williams implemented with the two drivers, but ultimately, qualifying 14th and 15th, there is nothing you can do.

George Russell added

George Russell labels Monaco GP circuit ‘one of the best’ in the world

The Monaco GP, which runs around the Monte Carlo Circuit, is one of the most, if not the most, iconic racing venues still on the F1 calendar. The race has been run around the same circuit since the sport’s inception in 1950. As such, George Russell reckons that the circuit is one of the best circuits in the world, which is just being wasted in potential due to such rules.

Oscar Piastri and George Russell
Oscar Piastri and George Russell (image via Getty)

George Russell highlighted that due to the flawed rule change, he couldn’t enjoy driving around the Monaco GP. Due to this, he got fed up with the two Williams and intentionally broke the rules. Russell reckoned that the reason behind his risky move was to fully enjoy racing around the Monte Carlo Circuit, as he believes it to be one of the best circuits in the world.

I didn’t get the chance yesterday to enjoy Monaco. And I just said, screw it, I want to enjoy Monaco. I want to enjoy driving this track full gas. It’s one of the best circuits in the world. And that’s what I did the last 25 laps, was the most fun I’ve had all weekend. Pretty exhilarating. I was really pushing my limits, testing myself.

George Russell added

Not only George Russell, but even Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and many others were critical of the newly introduced rule at the Monaco GP. As such, Formula 1 will now have to look back on the criticism and ensure such a situation never arises again. The Monte Carlo Circuit, despite being so iconic, continues to be one of the worst tracks in terms of racing action and overtaking.

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