Russell calls out the FIA and its “too extreme” penalties

Fourth at the finish, then credited with a podium before returning to his initial position following the review of Alonso's penalty, George Russell asks the FIA to "show a little common sense" on the sanctions imposed on departures.

Published on 20/03/2023 à 14:53

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Russell calls out the FIA and its “too extreme” penalties

George Russell railed against the FIA and its penalties © Florent Gooden / DPPI

It is an unexpected subject which is at the center of controversies at the start of the 2023 season. Since this year, the FIA has been more strict regarding the positioning of single-seaters on their starting location. In Bahrain, Esteban Ocon had been penalized for 5 seconds for having incorrectly positioned his Alpine on the grid. Bis repetita in Jeddah with Fernando Alonso, also penalized for the same reason. Two examples and two sanctions in two races: a case rare enough to raise certain questions.

George Russell, president of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), called on the FIA to change the rule on this subject. “I feel like some of these sanctions have been a little too extreme, confided the pilot Mercedes, fourth at the finish of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. I think you have to use a little common sense. I think [Alonso] was a little left-wing [at the start], but he didn't gain anything from that. Maybe a five-second penalty is too much. »

Russell Judge « really difficult” to position yourself at the start

The Briton explained that grid placement was a difficult exercise for any driver. F1. “We're sitting so low and, to put it in perspective, we probably only see the top four or five centimeters of the tire – so you can't really see the ground itself, he said after the race. I don't even see the yellow line, let alone the white lines that determine your lateral position. It's really, really difficult and that's why I think we need to be a little more common sense about this. »

The FIA also penalized Fernando Alonso by an additional 10 seconds after the race, ruling thatAston Martin had not respected the 5 second penalty in the pits. George Russell was thus promoted to third place. Finally, several hours after arrival, the governing body canceled the sanction after Aston Martin filed a right of review.

As President of the GPDA, George Russell would like to have a discussion with the FIA to “come together and find common ground”, concerning the sanctions on departures and the penalties which are applied.

ALSO READ > Alonso, a happy man after returning his 3rd place in Jeddah

Dorian Grangier

A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.

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Russell calls out the FIA and its “too extreme” penalties

Fourth at the finish, then credited with a podium before returning to his initial position following the review of Alonso's penalty, George Russell asks the FIA to "show a little common sense" on the sanctions imposed on departures.

Russell Judge « really difficult” to position yourself at the start

Dorian Grangier

A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.

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Fourth at the finish, then credited with a podium before returning to his initial position following the review of Alonso's penalty, George Russell asks the FIA ​​to "show a little common sense" on the sanctions imposed on departures.

Russell Judge « really difficult” to position yourself at the start

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Russell calls out the FIA and its “too extreme” penalties

Fourth at the finish, then credited with a podium before returning to his initial position following the review of Alonso's penalty, George Russell asks the FIA to "show a little common sense" on the sanctions imposed on departures.