F1 News: Mercedes star George Russell 'SHOCKED' following FIA decision

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton look glum as they walk through the paddock — Photo: © IMAGO

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Mercedes star 'SHOCKED' following FIA decision

George Russell has reacted to events in Baku

Originally written by Jay Winter. This version is a translation.

Monday 16 September 2024 04:00

Mercedes star George Russell was left 'shocked' following the FIA's decision not to instantly call out the safety car following a penultimate lap crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver eventually finished the race in third, gaining two positions when Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz crashed out.

F1 RESULTS: Dramatic race ends with HUGE crash as championship lead changes

Article continues under video

Their collision took place after Sainz passed Perez for third at turn one and the pair continued their battle down the straight.

Naturally, Perez attempted to reclaim the position in to the first DRS zone, but the two cars collided, sending both into the barriers.

Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez collided on the penultimate lap

Russell: The car could've been anywhere

Russell described the moment he came upon the wreckage as one of the most challenging parts of his race, criticizing the delay in neutralizing the situation.

“I was driving full gas into a wall of carbon fiber on the penultimate lap. That was pretty crazy,” Russell said after the race.

“The sun was coming down, and you couldn’t see anything. I was shocked the Safety Car or VSC didn’t come out sooner... the car could've been anywhere. I’m just glad everyone was okay.”