The FIA’s choice to delay bringing out the safety car after a crash on the penultimate lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix “shocked” George Russell.
After Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez wrecked, the Mercedes driver eventually finished the race in third place, having gained two positions.
After Sainz passed Perez for third at turn one and the two continued their battle down the straight, they collided.
Perez naturally tried to take the lead back in the first DRS zone, but the two vehicles collided and were thrown into the barriers.
Yellow flags with two waves were displayed almost immediately following the collision. Nevertheless, it took more than a minute for the VSC to be deployed.
Russell criticized the delay in neutralizing the situation and described the moment he saw the wreckage as one of the most difficult moments of his race.
“On the penultimate lap, I was going full gas into a wall of carbon fiber.” After the race, Russell remarked, “That was pretty crazy.”
“You couldn’t see anything as the sun was setting. I was surprised that the VSC or Safety Car wasn’t released sooner. The vehicle might have been anywhere. I’m just relieved that everyone got by.
After the checkered flag, the race was eventually completed under VSC conditions, with the caution still in effect.
After a difficult weekend for Mercedes, Russell was happy to take third place, his second podium finish of the season, despite the chaotic finish.
Every member of the team put in a tremendous amount of effort this past weekend, according to Russell.
“There was a lot going on—we had engine changes for Lewis and for me. Everyone put in a ton of work.
Mercedes is now focused on the upcoming round in Singapore, where they hope to improve on their current performance and maintain their lead in the constructors’ standings.
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