FIA Having Double Standards?

BREAKING: FIA Having Double Standards? George Russell Deser…Read more

Why George Russell Deserved a Penalty Too —A Look Back at the 2024 Mexico GP

Formula 1 fans are no strangers to controversy, especially when it comes to stewarding decisions. The 2024 Mexico Grand Prix stirred up another heated debate — this time involving George Russell and Lando Norris. The question on many lips: Why didn’t Russell receive a penalty for a move almost identical to one that got Max Verstappen penalized earlier in the season?

The Incident: Russell vs. Norris

During the Mexico GP, George Russell made an aggressive defensive move on Lando Norris, pushing him off track while battling for position. On the surface, it may have looked like “hard racing,” but a closer look (or rewatching the highlights) reveals that Norris had no room and was effectively forced off the track. Sound familiar? That’s because a similar move by Max Verstappen against the same driver earned him a 20-second penalty earlier in the season.

A Double Standard?

Max’s penalty set a precedent: crowding a driver off track during an overtake attempt is punishable. So, why was Russell let off the hook for doing the same thing? There was no penalty, no investigation, and no official explanation. This kind of inconsistency raises eyebrows and leads many to believe there’s a double standard when it comes to enforcing the rules.

Why It Matters

F1 is a sport where every point, every second, and every decision can influence the championship. Selective officiating undermines the fairness and credibility of the competition. Fans deserve clear and consistent rule enforcement — regardless of the driver or the team.

Conclusion

Russell’s move on Norris was not just aggressive; it crossed the line. If Verstappen was penalized for the same action, then Russell should’ve faced the same consequences. Until the FIA holds every driver to the same standard, questions around fairness in F1 will continue to dominate headlines.