Breaking:FIA Reveals Why George Russell Received Harsh Pe…read more
FIA Explains Why George Russell Faced Tough Monaco GP Penalty
The FIA has provided a detailed explanation for the strict penalty handed to George Russell during the Monaco Grand Prix, stating that the Mercedes driver’s actions were deliberate and required a stronger response to maintain fairness.
On lap 50 of the 78-lap race, Russell cut across the Nouvelle Chicane (Turns 10 and 11) to pass Alex Albon’s Williams, prompting stewards to issue a drive-through penalty—a much tougher sanction than the standard 10-second time penalty usually applied in similar situations.
According to the FIA, all teams had been warned before the race that any intentional shortcutting at that particular section would be closely monitored. The communication also made it clear that the typical penalty might not be sufficient and that harsher measures could be used.
The stewards pointed to Russell’s own team radio message—where he said he would “take the penalty”—as proof that the move was intentional, carried out because he believed Albon was driving erratically and holding him up.
“In light of this, we deemed that Car 63’s deliberate move warranted a drive-through penalty,” the stewards stated in their official decision.
The FIA’s firm stance appeared to have the desired effect: Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who later made a similar move, gave the position back to Albon, and no other drivers attempted to exploit the corner in the same way.
The decision sends a clear message from the FIA about upholding track limits and deterring unsporting behavior at the notoriously challenging Monaco circuit.
