Russell vents frustration after losing lead in drivers' standings
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated:
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Co-author:Kada Sárközi
Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
George Russell has been beaten by teammate Kimi Antonelli for the second time in a row, and no longer leads the drivers' standings. The Briton ran into many problems and ultimately didn’t even make the podium.
Once again, Mercedes was overtaken from all sides at the start of the race, but thanks to their pace, Russell and Antonelli managed to fight their way back to the front. The strategy and the safety car worked out perfectly for the young Italian, but not for Russell. After the restart he was stuck behind the Ferraris, and he eventually crossed the finish line in fourth place.
Asked by Viaplay whether this was the most frustrating race so far, Russell said "yes."
He continued: "I mean, one lap difference and probably a race win to be honest. Then safety car restart, hit what's called a harvest limit so i couldn't charge my battery. So I got flew by Lewis past me and then obviously another issue with the battery when Charles got past me."
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Russell submits request to the FIA
A few weeks ago, when the season began, Russell had nothing to complain about regarding the new rules, but he now admits he has a few points for the FIA and Formula 1.
During the spring break, the parties will sit down to discuss a possible adjustment for the race in Miami. What would Russell like to change now? "No harvest limit on formation lap and under safety car," the Mercedes driver said.
"You understand why you need to have a harvest limit on your fast laps, but it makes no sense for formation lap and safety car. It just causes a bit of a problem. I think general racing works quite well, but qualifying we need to just make some tweaks to maybe not have such high speed in the middle and such low speed at the end. Yes, still early days."
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