Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ George Russell, battling for victory at the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore GP, engaged in a remote duel via team radio. A technical “duel” that saw the Spaniard put pressure on the Englishman, letting him know about his race pace.
Absolute dominator in Singapore, Ferrari’s #55 always had the lead in the Grand Prix. At the midway point, he was closely pursued by George Russell’s Mercedes, who incessantly sought advice from his engineers on strategy because he was determined to win at all costs.
“We need you to keep putting pressure on these Ferraris,” was one of the messages from the pit wall.
Mid-race, the Ferrari driver asked his engineer, “Let me know when it’s the right time to push. I should have a second of race pace in hand.”
The Mercedes team’s response was immediate, as they informed George Russell, “Sainz reports having another second of race pace in hand.” The response from the #63 driver was not delayed. Almost inviting him to a duel, he replied, “I’m surprised he didn’t say two seconds.”
Who won the “duel”?
Carlos Sainz emerged victorious from the opponent’s banter, thanks to a strategy involving DRS (dragging Lando Norris, in P2, closer to him and thus distancing the dangerous Mercedes who was running fastest and fresher tyres).
George Russell crashed into the barriers on the very last lap and was forced to retire. The driver then expressed his frustration almost in tears in front of the cameras, not hiding his bitterness.
The next stop is Japan. Will Ferrari be able to replicate this positive streak in the Land of the Rising Sun?
Source: f1ingenerale
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