Source – GBnews
Lewis Hamilton, George Russell’s teammate, has been upgraded to the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix after it was discovered that Russell’s Mercedes was underweight after the race.
George Russell’s Triumph Turns to Heartbreak with Post-Race Disqualification: Hamilton Inherits Victory
In a dramatic turn of events at the latest Grand Prix, George Russell’s stellar performance, which saw him cross the finish line first after executing a masterful one-stop strategy, ended in heartbreak as he was disqualified post-race. This development not only reshaped the final standings but also highlighted the fine margins that define success and failure in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Russell’s strategy to nurse his hard tyres to the chequered flag paid off as he managed to hold off his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, by a mere half-second. The victory, however, was short-lived. An after-race Technical Delegate’s Report revealed a compliance issue with Russell’s car that would ultimately lead to his disqualification.
Initially, the car was found to be compliant with the minimum weight requirement of 798kg. However, subsequent analysis indicated that 2.8 litres of fuel were removed from the vehicle. The report highlighted that the car had not been fully drained according to the team’s submitted draining procedure, even though TR Article 6.5.2 was technically fulfilled. When the car was re-weighed on both the FIA’s inside and outside scales, it registered at 796.5kg, falling short by 1.5kg of the minimum weight required by TR Article 4.1. This discrepancy was significant enough to refer the matter to the stewards for further consideration.
The stewards’ subsequent investigation confirmed the findings of the Technical Delegate’s Report. During the hearing, the team representative acknowledged the accuracy of the measurements and the adherence to all required procedures. They also conceded that no mitigating circumstances existed and that the shortfall was a genuine error by the team. Consequently, the stewards determined that a breach of Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations had occurred, necessitating the standard penalty for such an infringement.
The outcome was devastating for Russell, who was disqualified from the race, promoting Lewis Hamilton to first place. Oscar Piastri was moved up to second, and Charles Leclerc inherited third. The stewards’ document emphasized that while the team had performed all required procedures correctly, the weight infraction could not be overlooked.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, speaking before the stewards’ verdict was confirmed, suggested that the team would accept the outcome, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation for Russell. “We have to take it on the chin if the stewards decide against ourselves,” Wolff remarked. “It is what it is, the mistake has happened.”
Wolff further emphasized the need for the team to learn from this experience, noting that while there were positive takeaways for the team as a whole, the disqualification was a significant blow for Russell personally. “As a team there are more positives to take, obviously for George it’s a massive blow,” he added.
The disqualification underscores the meticulous nature of Formula 1 regulations and the severe consequences of even the smallest errors. For Russell, this incident serves as a harsh reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s promotion to first place adds another chapter to his illustrious career, while Piastri and Leclerc benefit from the reshuffled standings.
As the team regroups and reflects on the lessons learned from this incident, the focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring such oversights are not repeated in the future. For Russell, the journey continues with the hope that future races will offer redemption and the chance to showcase his undeniable talent without such devastating setbacks.
