Russell counters Horner: 'Don't say this to gain advantage'

George Russell indicated after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that changes to the regulations are needed to reduce porpoising in Formula One cars. The Mercedes driver points out the safety of the drivers. Christian Horner thinks it is just posturing and compared it to a tactical foul. Russell has now responded to the Red Bull Racing team boss.

Horner indicated that he understands Mercedes, but he would not think it fair if the rules suddenly had to be changed now. According to the 50-year old top man, this would mean rewarding the teams that simply didn't do a good job last winter. Red Bull would then be saddled with extra work, while they would hardly have any of it.

However, the FIA would now like to start an investigation, but to change the regulations in the meantime or before 2023 would require eight out of ten teams to push a change through. That chance is obviously very low and so it remains to be seen what will happen in the coming period.

Russell corrects Horner

Speaking to Sky Sports , Russell says of the issue, "No one is saying this to try and gain any advantage. You've got the Ferrari drivers, and even Max [Verstappen] saying how tough it is." The current number four in the world championship thus refutes that Mercedes is working on a plan to become more competitive again with the W13. According to Russell, it is purely about comfort and therefore safety.

Lewis Hamilton, for example, struggled to get out of his car after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Toto Wolff indicated immediately after the race at the Baku circuit that Hamilton might have to miss the Canadian GP, but on Monday the seven-time world champion confirmed that he will be at the start.