As the Formula One circus rolls into Qatar for the penultimate round of the 2024 season, Mercedes driver George Russell has his sights set on a ‘proper race’ come Sunday. The Brit expressed frustration with McLaren’s tactics in Saturday’s sprint race, where Lando Norris appeared to slow the pace to allow teammate Oscar Piastri to retain second place using DRS.
Russell Calls Out McLaren’s ‘Team Orders Stuff’
While Russell ultimately secured third in the sprint behind the McLaren duo, he didn’t mince words when sharing his thoughts post-race. “It was very close to Turn 1 on a couple of occasions,” the Mercedes man revealed. “It was obviously so frustrating every lap, Lando backing up, giving Oscar the DRS.”
Though Russell acknowledged understanding McLaren’s strategy, he argued it detracted from the spectacle. “When you’re out here, you’re fighting, you want to give it everything, and you want to put a race on, for the fans, it was just pretty infuriating.”
Hoping for a ‘Proper Race’ on Sunday
Looking ahead to the main event, Russell made his expectations clear. “Hopefully we can have a proper race rather than this team orders stuff,” the 24-year-old asserted after qualifying second on the grid, splitting the Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
The Englishman believes Sunday’s grand prix has all the ingredients for an enthralling battle. “I think we’ll all be going for it. It’s actually great that Max is in the mix as well. I was really surprised at their turnaround because they looked really off the pace yesterday, off the pace this morning.”
And obviously they were both in Q3 and Max on pole. So I think we’ve got a good race on our hands.
George Russell on Red Bull’s qualifying pace
Norris: Brazil Payback Was ‘Something Completely Separate’
For his part, Norris revealed post-sprint that his decision to aid Piastri was payback for his teammate’s assistance in securing victory in Brazil. However, the Briton was quick to clarify that such tactics wouldn’t carry over to Sunday’s grand prix.
“Yes, that was something completely separate,” Norris confirmed. “So, I’m excited. I mean, I think we still have a good chance. I don’t think we’re as quick as the Mercedes. And Red Bull showed how much they improved from yesterday, you know. So, yes, plenty of opportunity for everyone.”
Desert Duel in Doha
As the sun sets over the Losail International Circuit, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the Qatari desert. With Russell sandwiched between the championship-chasing Red Bulls, and the resurgent McLarens nipping at his heels, the ingredients are there for a race to remember.
Will team orders take a backseat to wheel-to-wheel action? Can Mercedes challenge Red Bull’s blistering single-lap pace over a full race distance? Might McLaren spring a surprise and crash the podium party once again? The answers will be revealed under the floodlights on Sunday night.
One thing is for certain: George Russell will be hoping for a ‘proper race’ from lights out to checkered flag. After all, that’s what the fans came to see – the best drivers in the world, pushing themselves and their machines to the absolute limit, in an unadulterated battle for glory. In the heat of the moment, that’s all that matters.
