F1 2025: FIA announce George Russell penalty verdict after Bahrain timing breach

F1 star George Russell looks nervously at the Mercedes W15 with the FIA flag in the background — Photo: © IMAGO

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FIA announce Russell penalty verdict after Bahrain timing breach

The FIA have decided on whether George Russell will get a penalty

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 13 April 2025 22:12 Updated: 15:49

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George Russell has avoided a penalty at the Bahrain Grand Prix after he was placed under investigation by the FIA's stewards.

The Mercedes star finished the race in second, but was summoned to the stewards for an alleged breach of rules governing when DRS may and may not be used.

Russell appeared to open his rear wing outside of a DRS zone, and was more than a second ahead of the car in front, which put him at risk of receiving a five or ten second penalty.

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However, the FIA have decided not to award Russell a penalty as they believed no sporting advantage was gained after they reviewed the footage.

Russell's Bahrain GP podium stands

Whilst Russell gained 0.02 seconds on the straight from the activated DRS, he slowed down at the next corner to compensate and lost 0.28 seconds, a move that likely saved him from acquiring a penalty.

The stewards also found that Russell's use of DRS was prompted by an attempted team radio call, but the button pressed instead activated his DRS for 37 metres on the straight which lasts 700 metres.

Russell's automatic DRS activation system lost connection earlier due to issues with a timing loop, and the FIA thus authorised manual DRS activation.

The Mercedes star was also dealing with brake and electronic malfunctions, where he was advised to use an auxiliary button which simultaneously serves as a back up radio button and a manual DRS activation - explaining why the error was made in the first place.

Therefore, Russell's second place position and podium result stands, ending a strong weekend for the Brit who has closed in on Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship.

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Mercedes FIA George Russell Bahrain Grand Prix