The FIA has provided an explanation for why Mercedes driver George Russell received a more severe penalty for overtaking Alex Albon off-track during the Monaco Grand Prix than usual.
Russell was frustrated with Albon’s slow driving to assist Carlos Sainz, and on lap 50, he overtook Albon by cutting the Nouvelle Chicane, claiming he had to avoid a collision due to Albon’s erratic driving.
Instead of returning the position, Russell accepted a 10-second time penalty to secure his lead. However, the FIA determined from Russell’s radio message that he intentionally overtook Albon off track.
As a result, the stewards imposed a more severe drive-through penalty to thwart Russell’s strategic move, citing warnings from race director Rui Marques about exploiting rules in Monaco.
Russell’s teammate Antonelli also used a similar tactic to pass Albon but was instructed to give the position back after Russell’s penalty. The pair faced challenges throughout the weekend due to qualifying issues, with Russell finishing 11th and Antonelli in 18th.
The 10-second penalty was increased from five seconds following Kevin Magnussen’s penalties in last year’s Miami Grand Prix, emphasizing the consequences of leaving the track to gain an advantage.
