Mercedes’ George Russell revealed that “19 out of 20” drivers were aligned on Formula 1 racing guideline changes amid further controversy in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The ‘rules of engagement’ became a major talking point after the United States GP thanks to Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ famous clash.
With drivers conflicted on what constitutes fair racing and what the stewards should or should not punish, there was a back and forth in the Mexico City GP driver’s briefing.
Russell, a Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), said the majority wanted the FIA to make immediate changes.
“I think the biggest discussion is [the FIA] wanted to wait until ’25, so it’s something consistent through this year,” Russell told media including Motorsport Week on Sunday.
“I would say 19 out of 20 drivers said, ‘well, if it’s incorrect, make the change today’.
“You presume [it should be easy to change if everyone agrees], but it sometimes seems more difficult than it has to be when things have to get approved and we’ve got to go to a vote app.
“But as I said, 19 out of 20, we’re all aligned on where it needs to be.”
Max Verstappen at centre of racing guidelines debate
There was no direct revelation as to who the outstanding driver was, but the topic of racing guidelines has a common denominator.
By the letter of the law, Verstappen wasn’t punished for running Norris off the road in the United States GP.
This was because he had the authority of Turn 12, having reached the apex ahead of Norris thanks to a Lap 52 dive.
However, in Mexico, Verstappen ran Norris off the road not once, but twice in the space of a few corners and incurred 20 seconds worth of penalties.
George Russell believes Max Verstappen’s driving is ‘beyond entertaining’
Russell had his own battles in Mexico with team-mate Lewis Hamilton, which he called “hard,” but “fair” racing.
He could not say the same for Verstappen’s late lunge at Turn 7 that forced Norris well wide, thinking it to be particularly egregious.
“It was nice to have the battle and it’s always good when you fight with Lewis because it’s hard and fair,” Russell said.
“At the moment you’re seeing a number of manoeuvres that are just…it’s getting beyond entertaining or beyond sporting, it’s just almost unfair to a point now.
“You can argue the first one was maybe 60-40. The last one, I’ve not seen anything like that since probably Brazil [2021].”
Russell was pleased to see the stewards sharing his opinion and the outcome of two-10 second penalties for Verstappen.
“I’m glad to see those incidents were punished and I suspect moving forward in Brazil what we saw today and what we saw last week you won’t be able to get away with.”
READ MORE – George Russell renews calls for permanent F1 stewards after controversial penalties
