Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during a promotional photoshoot for the unveiling of the new 2022 F1 car REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during a promotional photoshoot for the unveiling of the new 2022 F1 car REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
George Russell has mentioned that too many penalties will make drivers cautious. He stated he fears that driver penalties would mean that drivers will not take risks in Formula One.
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Russell got a 3-place grid penalty for his first-lap incident with Carlos Sainz in the sprint race. The penalty meant that the Williams driver started outside the Top-10 in his home race at Silverstone.
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Nobody wants to sit there and everybody be cautious: George Russell
As reported by Autosport, Russell mentioned the drivers are arguing with the FIA on the penalties. He hopes that in the future the stewards will not award ‘easy penalties’. “That’s what we were arguing,” said Russell.
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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 16, 2021, Williams’ George Russell after finishing eighth in the sprint race qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron
“Rubbin’s racing, as they say, I think it’s always good for the fans and even for the drivers to have close, hard racing. So I think when there are so many penalties being dished out, it does change the views of the drivers slightly, how you approach it, and nobody wants to sit there and everybody be cautious, because it won’t be entertaining for anyone,” said the Williams driver.
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The Williams driver calls his Silverstone penalty ‘harsh’
Russell mentioned that he knew he was getting the penalty. But he stated that the contact between him and Sainz was minimal and it was a first-lap incident in his eyes.
“I thought it was a little bit harsh,” he said.
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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 17, 2021, Williams’ George Russell during practice REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
“It was one of those first lap incidents really, lots going on. You know, I had a little small lock-up, there was nothing malicious.
I wasn’t trying to squeeze him or anything. And I think if it was any other corner, he’d have just carried on, potentially even in front of me. So we’re told that the consequences of an action are never taken into consideration.
“But it felt like in this instance it was. But I respect the decision. At the end of the day, they’re the rule-makers, so we’ve got to stand by their views,” said the Williams driver.
Did Russell deserve a penalty in Silverstone? Let us know.
