Carlos Sainz reacts to George Russell accusation: “It’s allowed by the regulations” | 2023 Mexico GP. Carlos Sainz fires back after George Russell accusation at Mexican Grand Prix.

There was a heated battle between George Russell and Carlos Sainz in the 2023 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at the 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

While Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes brilliantly managed to overtake Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari after a few laps, the other British driver from the Silver Arrows had difficulties with the Spaniard.

The set of medium tires, mounted after the restart of the Mexico City Grand Prix following the red flag, helped George Russell pass Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo. However, driver #55 proved to be a tough opponent for the young Mercedes driver.

George Russell repeatedly complained via radio about the Spaniard’s driving, particularly regarding Carlos Sainz’s changes in trajectory on the straight.

According to regulations, drivers are allowed to use a defensive move but must return to their line before the corner. Conversely, making such moves while braking is not allowed.

In the post-race discussion, George Russell voiced his concerns about this. “The rules are clear,” he emphasized in interviews with the media. “It wasn’t an aggressive or significant move. However, once he braked, he moved to block me. When braking from such high speeds, it’s very easy to lock up.”

Carlos Sainz’s response was quick. “I did it once, and it was right before braking, which is allowed by the regulations,” he clarified to the media. “You can’t move under braking, but you can move right before braking, and that’s what I was doing.” – the Spaniard pointed out at the end of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

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The Ferrari driver from Spain then added to the discussion, emphasizing how easy it is to open the radio and complain in such situations. “You hope that the driver in front of you receives a warning or a five-second penalty because it benefits you. It always happens, everyone does it. George does it often.”

The Mexican Grand Prix concluded with a fourth-place finish for Carlos Sainz and a sixth-place finish for George Russell.

Source: f1ingenerale