Russell Blasts FIA Stewards Over Mexico GP Start Incidents, Targets Verstappen and Leclerc

George Russell has voiced strong criticism against the FIA Stewards, asserting that they mishandled the incidents during the highly contentious start of the Mexico GP. Russell specifically called out Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for cutting corners without facing penalties, claiming it cost him a potential podium finish.

Why it matters:

• Russell's comments highlight ongoing frustration among drivers regarding inconsistent stewarding decisions, particularly in crucial race moments like the start.
• The perceived lack of penalties for drivers who gain an advantage by exceeding track limits raises questions about fairness and the integrity of racing regulations.
• This incident could fuel further debate within the F1 paddock about how start-line melees and track-limit infringements should be policed.

The Details:

• Controversial Turn 1 Incidents: At the start of the Mexico GP, several drivers, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, failed to navigate Turn 1 cleanly.
• Russell's Frustration: Russell expressed significant anger, stating, "I just struggled to understand how three guys could just cut the corner and maintain their position... There was no punishment for their mistake. So, I was pretty pissed off with that to start with."
• Verstappen's Further Incident: Russell also referenced Verstappen's subsequent incident at Turn 4, where he went off track and rejoined without penalty, further fueling his frustration.
• Lost Podium Opportunity: Russell believes that had the Turn 1 incidents been officiated correctly, he would have secured a P3 finish for Mercedes. He argued that drivers who "did the right thing" were ultimately disadvantaged.
• Leclerc and Verstappen Targeted: Russell specifically targeted Leclerc for making "no attempt to stay on the track" and Verstappen for "full risking it, got it wrong but continued in his place."

Between the lines:

• Team Alignment: Lewis Hamilton echoed Russell's sentiments, reportedly urging his team to seek action against Leclerc and Verstappen, indicating a shared frustration within the Mercedes garage.
• Verstappen's Defense: Max Verstappen, in response to the criticism, dismissed it by saying it was "not my problem," suggesting he felt his actions were justified given the chaotic circumstances.
• Season-Long Narrative: Russell's remark, "That's the story of the season," suggests a broader frustration with how race incidents have been handled throughout the year, impacting Mercedes' results.

What's next:

While specific rule changes or direct actions from the FIA are unlikely as a direct result of these post-race comments, the consistent pushback from prominent drivers like Russell and Hamilton puts pressure on the stewards to review their application of rules, particularly concerning track limits and gaining an advantage. This ongoing discussion may influence how similar incidents are judged in future races, potentially leading to a more stringent approach to corner-cutting at race starts.