George Russell claims Oscar Piastri’s crash cost him the chance to fight for the podium in Belgium

Russell finished P6 in the Belgian GP

George Russell claims Oscar Piastri’s crash cost him the chance to fight for the podium in Belgium

George Russell (Credits: GPFans)

George Russell started P8 on Sunday after a difficult qualifying. After a decent start, He came down to P11 at the end of the first lap. Russell made an error in judgment while passing Piastri’s damaged McLaren, which resulted in Fernando Alonso, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lance Stroll passing him by.

Post-race, George Russell said that this incident pre-determined his outcome of the race. Due to losing many places, Russell had to opt for a long-opening stint. He said racing with mediums for so many laps was very difficult, especially when it started to rain.

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“That determined my race in a way. Without that incident I would have finished fifth. I think I could have fought for the podium with Lewis and Charles then. It was definitely tricky when it started to rain. If we had known how much rain was coming I would have stopped for softs and you would have had the biggest difference in these challenging conditions,” Russell is quoted by motorsport.com

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Mercedes announces George Russell’s replacement for the Mexican GP FP1

Frederik Vesti
Frederik Vesti (Credits: ART Grand Prix)

Mercedes’ George Russell will be missing the first session of the Mexican GP. Mercedes have decided to allow one of their younger drivers, Frederik Vesti. Russell has had a frustrating season, constantly overshadowed by his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Also, the incident with Hamilton in Belgium’s qualifying race, where the duo almost collided, was one of the many errors he has made all season. But Mercedes’ reason for switching him is not his performance.

Under F1’s young driver program, Mercedes has decided to give 21-year-old Frederik Vesti a chance to show his talent in F1. Vesti is one of the most highly-rated drivers in Formula 2 and is currently second in the F2 standings. He was recently forced to retire early in Spa due to spinning off the track in heavy downpour. Mercedes’ decision to give him the chance to race in F1 will certainly boost the youngster’s morale.

“The feeling that I have to drive an official Formula 1 practice session with Lewis Hamilton next to me is absolutely crazy. And that’s all I’ve dreamed of – ever,” said Vesti. The Mexican Grand Prix is set to take place on 30th October on The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in Mexico City. The track lies at an altitude of 2285 meters and is the highest track in F1.

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