George Russell Shames FIA After "Harsh" Fernando Alonso Decision

Mercedes driver George Russell blasts FIA for controversial Decision

George Russell has called out the FIA for Fernando Alonso's "harsh" penalty, despite it meaning he was promoted to third place (temporarily) in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

The FIA waited until after the two-time champion had celebrated his 100th podium finish alongside Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen who finished first and second, respectively.

The Spanish driver received a five-second penalty for being misplaced in the grid box at the beginning of the race. The FIA claimed that the Aston Martin team jacked the car up too early after serving the penalty during a pitstop. However, they waited over 35 laps to inform the team of this. 

The FIA later went back on their word after the British team appealed the decision meaning Alonso took back third place and Russell went back down to fourth. 

Russell branded the FIA harsh during his post-race interview after finding out he had gained a spot on the podium... after the podium celebrations. He said to Sky Sports F1:

"It was an interesting race.

"After the safety car, I was on the hards and Lewis was on the mediums so he probably had a bit more pace at the beginning.

"I knew my pace was coming at the end.

"There was a lot of confusion because I thought Fernando had a five-second penalty so I didn't want us to be fighting between each other and we both lose out to Fernando.

"I wanted us to manage our tyres, stay in striking distance and then have a fair battle towards the end.

"Pleased to come home P4 - the penalty to Fernando is pretty harsh.

"They are the deserving podium finishers today."