Christian Horner: George Russell ‘escapes’ when the Spanish GP corner is cut | Mercedes driver: I don’t benefit
George Russell was not penalized for cutting the first turn in the opening lap of the Spanish GP but Christian Horner said the Mercedes driver “managed to get away” without penalty; Russell held off Sergio Perez for third place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Last Updated: 04/06/23 7:46 pm
Christian Horner believes the decision not to penalize George Russell in the opening round of the Spanish Grand Prix was “the difference” in ensuring Sergio Perez cannot finish on the podium.
Russell cut the second part of the first turn to avoid a collision with Nico Hulkenberg, so he went around two cones in the Second Turn, which the FIA says is mandatory for a car cut off at that corner.
The incident was recorded, but not investigated as Russell was cleared of all wrongdoing when he went behind Hulkenberg at the corner exit, before overtaking Haas’ driver in Turn Four.
“He [Perez] lost in the first rounds. He didn’t have a great start. George managed to get away with running off course without being penalized for it,” Horner said Sky Sports F1.
“I think that’s the difference at the end of the day. Checo’s race just got stronger and stronger. In particular, in that last leg he came back very strong. Just not enough laps to get up. that podium.”
Russell claims he was ‘a bit forced’
Russell, who started in 12th place after a disappointing Qualifier, has continued to push through the court and take his first podium in 2023.
He supports the managers’ decision to not win any positions when deviating.
“I had a bit of a squeeze,” Russell said. “I made the decision because I knew there were two cars inside of me and I knew if I kept it I would come with Hulkenberg.
“I know it’s him, I go behind him, not gaining the upper hand.”
Sky Sports F1Anthony Davidson analyzed the incident on SkyPad, comparing Russell’s position to Hulkenberg and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren just before he fled.
Davidson said: “It was close but I believe he was ahead of the McLaren before he decided to take the avoidance action to go down the exit on the left.
“I think it was because he was ahead of the McLaren, that’s why he didn’t have to return. It was tight, but I think by law he almost got out. That’s why he didn’t do it’ was not penalized.”
He added: “George had a great opening lap. Compared to Sergio Perez on average tyres [had] a horrible getaway amidst a sea of people running on soft tires.
“I just wonder in hindsight if that was the right thing Red Bull did with Sergio Perez’s strategy? Now we can look back and say it didn’t work for him. The soft tires performed much better at the start of the race, in the first few laps we never thought they would.”
Rosberg and Schiff think F1 should consider the changes
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya had a sphere or cone at the first bend, to convince drivers not to leave the track, for several years.
But, Sky Sports F1‘s Naomi Schiff argues that a slower exit is needed, so motorists will be at a disadvantage when swerving.
Schiff said: “I made a funny face when I looked at it. “From the first angle, it looks like he’s been squeezed out and in the second angle we see, there seems to be enough room for him to go around, but it looks like he made a choice like That’s the way he could go, that’s the route he could take. He did all the right things.
“I guess maybe from the FIA or F1 side, they should think there’s nothing to lose by going the alternative route. But there was no investigation, no criticism on that, so he was do things the right way.”
Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg added: “He certainly made the most of the opportunities. It was a really positive and great start.
“Looks like he was planning to go in that direction. As soon as it got a little rough, ‘oh, I’m going to rush there and at least it won’t take any longer.’ So he did. well done. It’s perfect.”
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