George Russell has received a conditional fine of five thousand euros following his outburst of anger during the Canadian GP. In the thirtieth lap, the Brit retired with engine trouble, causing his chances of a good result to go up in smoke. Out of frustration, he threw his headrest onto the circuit. The FIA has punished him for this but also showed understanding for Russell’s disappointment. The latter apologized.
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Russell was involved in a fierce battle for the lead in the opening phase. It was a back-and-forth with teammate Kimi Antonelli, who put the polesitter under pressure. After the Brit’s retirement, the young championship leader inherited the victory and extended his lead in the standings. A boiling mad Russell got out of his stranded Mercedes, but not before throwing his headrest onto the circuit. He also hit the chassis several times.
Fine
The race management announced that they would investigate the incident after the race. Ultimately, Russell received a conditional fine of five thousand euros, ‘subject to further violations of a similar nature’. The FIA stewards explained: “The driver (Russell, ed.) explained that he was extremely frustrated because he could not finish the race, and expressed his shame about what happened next. He apologized and acknowledged that it was not a good example. He offered to apologize publicly. The stewards took this to heart and accepted his apology.”
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It does not change the fact that Russell has taken a painful blow in Montreal. In the past, he was very successful at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and after his sprint win and pole position, he seemed on his way to an important catch-up on Antonelli. Instead, his 19-year-old teammate created a big gap; the difference between the two is already 43 championship points after five races.
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