Shocking: FIA confirm late Russell penalty with additional punishment…Read more
FIA confirm late Russell penalty with additional punishment
The FIA has confirmed a late penalty for George Russell after the Qatar Grand Prix, adding to the drama surrounding the penultimate round of the 2024 Formula 1 season at Lusail International Circuit.
Russell received a five-second time penalty, which did not alter his P4 finish, and an additional penalty point—the first on his record in a rolling 12-month period.
Russell’s weekend was marked by ups and downs.
After missing out on pole position during Saturday’s qualifying, he was promoted to the front row due to a one-place grid penalty handed to Max Verstappen for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly, which disadvantaged Russell.
The incident contributed to heated exchanges between the Mercedes driver and the four-time champion throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, the main race brought more controversy.
The FIA penalized Russell for failing to maintain a proper gap behind the Safety Car.
Stewards reviewed evidence, including in-car video, timing data, and marshalling system records, which revealed that Russell’s car exceeded the allowed 10-car-length distance, trailing more than 125 meters behind the vehicle in front.
In an official statement, the FIA clarified, “The evidence clearly showed that Car 63 was more than 125 metres, which is more than 20 car lengths, behind the car in front during the Safety Car period.”
Despite his P4 finish remaining intact, the penalties capped a frustrating weekend for the 26-year-old Mercedes star.
The incident highlights the tight regulatory scrutiny in Formula 1, as the FIA enforces rules to ensure fair competition, even in high-pressure scenarios.
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