George Russell News: FIA Delivers Decision After Post-Japanese GP Investigation

The FIA reveals its decision of the investigation into George Russell for potentially pushing Oscar Piastri off the track in the Japanese GP.

Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell takes video of the crowd during driver engagements in / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

The FIA has concluded its investigation into George Russell's manoeuvre during the Japanese Grand Prix, taking no further action against the Mercedes driver. The decision comes after a complex evaluation of Russell's challenge on Oscar Piastri for seventh place.

Key Takeaways:

• The FIA found George Russell not at fault for the incident with Oscar Piastri, citing control and racing standards adherence.
• The investigation acknowledged the challenges in making a decision, relying on evidence and driver testimony.
• Both drivers and their teams agreed that the incident did not warrant a penalty, supporting the FIA's decision.

Nov 17, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell of Great Britain / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Following the Japanese Grand Prix, George Russell found himself under the FIA's scrutiny after a contentious battle with Oscar Piastri for the seventh position. The heart of the matter lay in a daring move by Russell at the final chicane, leading to a minor collision and Piastri momentarily leaving the track.

The FIA's thorough examination of the incident revealed several critical points. The official letter from the Stewards states:

“This incident provided a number of challenges in arriving at a decision. 

“There are a number of matters that, based on the 'level of comfort' criteria used by the International Court of Appeal in accepting evidence, we accept as fact: 

"1. That the driver of Car 63 did not “dive in” and was in control at the entry to Turn 16. 

"2. That coming into Turn 16 Car 63’s front axle was in front of the mirrors of Car 81 hence according to the driving standards, Car 63 was entitled to “racing room” on Turn 16. 

"3. That Car 63 bounced off the inside kerb and then collided with Car 81 (based on photographic evidence tabled by Car 81).

"4. That the driver of Car 81, having felt the impact from Car 63, took evasive action by driving off the track rather than risking another collision with perhaps more serious consequences.

"5. That the driver of Car 63 left sufficient room on the exit of Turn 16 for Car 81 to take the turn remaining on track.

"6. That Car 81 cut the chicane and returned safely to the track in front of Car 63."

New document: Decision - Car 63 - Alleged forcing car 81 off the track
Published on 07-04-2024 11:15 CEThttps://t.co/jFaVW3tqJ5#F1 #Formula1 #FIA #JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/9TxcW8mPsW

— FIA F1 Documents Bot (@fiadocsbot) April 7, 2024

The Stewards concluded:

"The driving standards are however silent on what action is required of a driver who leaves the track to avoid a collision or is forced off, safely rejoins the track and retains position. Not that this is a determining point, we note that both drivers and team representatives agreed this incident did not warrant the imposition of any penalty."

This came after Russell was summoned to the Stewards after the qualifying session yesterday for an unsafe release in the pitlane which impeded Piastri. Mercedes was handed a €5,000 for the move.