Following the GP of Mexico City, George Russell called for modifications to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and stricter enforcement by the FIA. The British driver argued that too many racers were able to cut corners across the grass without penalty, with race officials failing to intervene. Russell was particularly irked by the fact that his competitors – including Max Verstappen – were given ‘free passes’ to force overtaking maneuvers or defend their positions.
After a strong qualifying round, Russell started from fourth place on Sunday, but ultimately had to settle for P7. The Brit was unable to fend off attacks from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. The duel with Verstappen was particularly bothersome – the Dutchman overtook him early in the race, but according to Russell, this was done in an irregular manner. Over the team radio, he repeatedly complained that he should be given the spot back, as the Red Bull driver had allegedly cut him off across the grass. However, the FIA did not see this as a violation.
“I don’t understand how three drivers can cut the first corner and then just continue in the same position,” the Brit grumbled to Sky Sports. “It’s as if you can risk everything and the FIA then hands out free passes when things go wrong. When Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided later in the race, Hamilton rightly received a penalty. But when Verstappen goes off the track, he can just continue as if nothing happened,” Russell judged. “In my case, it was simply ‘wrong place, wrong time’. As a result, I lost three positions. Of course, I was frustrated afterwards, but it all stemmed from that first lap.”
Russell points an accusing finger at both the FIA and the layout of the Mexican circuit. “In the end, it’s down to the track and those free passes that the FIA hands out,” he explained. “If there had been gravel instead of grass, nobody would dare to cut the corners like that. We see it here every year; last year it was Carlos Sainz Jr, before that Charles Leclerc, and ten years ago Hamilton. It sometimes seems like a lawnmower race. That really needs to change, because this should not be possible.”
