George Russell expressed his frustration after the Mexico Grand Prix, describing the chaotic first lap as one of the most chaotic moments of the season. Four cars, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell, went side by side down the main straight towards Turn 1, creating a spectacular but borderline legal battle. The result was Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc cutting the corner onto the grass to avoid contact.
The situation worsened just meters later when a new duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen ended with Hamilton going off-track and receiving a 10-second penalty for not following Race Direction guidelines when rejoining the track.
Russell: “Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen cut Turn 1 with no penalties”
The most critical voice after the checkered flag was George Russell, who started fourth but finished seventh after losing ground in the first-lap chaos. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the British driver did not hide his frustration over the lack of sanctions for those who cut the corner: “I don’t understand how three drivers can cut the first corner and continue simply in the position they entered.”
“It’s like they’re allowed to risk everything, and if they make a mistake, they get a ‘get out of jail free’ card. When Max and Lewis collided, Lewis received a penalty – rightly so – but Max was off track and rejoined. For me, it was the wrong place at the wrong time, and I lost three positions.” – the Mercedes driver pointed out at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
“This can’t work: it feels like a lawnmower race”
George Russell highlighted how the layout of the Mexican circuit encourages these types of incidents, with wide run-off areas of grass and asphalt allowing drivers to push beyond the limit without real consequences: “I was obviously quite frustrated, but it all started on the first lap. Ultimately, it depends on the circuit, and here there’s this ‘get out of jail free’ card. If there were gravel, no one would behave this way.”
“We see it almost every year we come here. Last year it was Carlos, the year before Charles, and 10 years ago Lewis. It feels like a lawnmower race. Something has to change there. It shouldn’t work this way.”
George Russell’s comments reignite the debate about safety and sporting fairness in the opening stages of a race, especially on tracks where run-off areas allow drivers to gain positions even after leaving the track. The topic is expected to be central in discussions ahead of the next Brazilian Grand Prix.
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