The FIA has announced a last-minute penalty for the Mercedes star…
The second-to-last round of the 2024 Formula 1 season concluded under controversial circumstances at the Lusail International Circuit, where Russell received a five-second penalty.
The Mercedes star had a tumultuous weekend in Qatar. Initially disappointed after missing out on pole position during Saturday’s qualifying, they were later thrilled to be promoted to the front row due to an unusual one-place grid penalty given to Max Verstappen.
The duo were allegedly engaged in intense disagreements over the weekend. An on-track incident between Russell and the four-time champion resulted in a penalty for the Red Bull star from FIA, citing unnecessarily slow driving that disadvantaged Russell.
Following the main event on Sunday, Russell received a five-second penalty. Despite this setback, he managed to retain his disappointing fourth-place finish.
After investigating the 26-year-old for not keeping a 10-car length distance behind the Safety Car, the sport’s governing body has confirmed that Russell will receive a penalty point—his first in a rolling 12-month period.
In an official FIA document, it was stated: “The Stewards examined data from the positioning/marshalling system, along with video footage, timing information, and in-car video evidence.”
The evidence clearly demonstrated that Car 63 was over 125 meters, equivalent to more than 20 car lengths, behind the vehicle ahead during the Safety Car period.
