George Russell’s accident on the final lap of the Australian GP will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2024 race. While trying to catch up to the car in front of him, Russell lost control of his vehicle and collided with the barriers. He then returned to the track in a banked position, prompting him to request a red flag for safety reasons. The incident left him in a dangerous position on the track and understandably concerned for his well-being.
The fact that Russell begged for a red flag and race control ignored the virtual safety car is shocking. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred as a result of the accident. Retirement at the Australian GP was a huge disappointment for the Mercedes F1 team as it resulted in a double retirement. Furthermore, Russell’s teammate also had to retire early due to an engine problem.
Although the exact cause of Russell’s accident at the Australian GP is still unknown, he took full responsibility for the incident. He acknowledged he was at fault for the high-speed crash in Albert Park. Before the accident, Russell was on track to finish in a points-scoring position.
Mercedes hoped Russell would secure valuable points for the team following Hamilton’s retirement. However, their expectations were not met as both drivers were forced to retire from the race. This double retirement had a significant impact on the German team, causing them to drop to fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, with just 26 points.
Tags: Video George Russell pleads race stopped dramatic crash Australian Grand Prix
