© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
George Russell has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a Japanese Grand Prix incident involving Oscar Piastri.
In the late-race battle with George Russell at the Japanese Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri was forced to back out and cut across the chicane.
George was then put under investigation by the stewards for forcing Piastri off the track. They ultimately decided to let the Briton off the hook.
“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), the driver of Car 63 (George Russell), team representatives and reviewed external and in-car video evidence,” the verdict read.
“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:
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- That [Russell] did not “dive in” and was in control at the entry to Turn 16.
- That coming into Turn 16, [Russell’s] front axle was in front of the mirrors of [Piastri] hence, according to the driving standards, [Russell] was entitled to “racing room” on Turn 16.
- That [Russell] bounced off the inside kerb and then collided with [Piastri] (based on photographic evidence tabled by [Piastri]).
- That Piastri, having felt the impact from Russell, took evasive action by driving off the track rather than risking another collision with perhaps more serious consequences.
- That [Russell] left sufficient room on the exit of Turn 16 for [Piastri] to take the turn remaining on track.
- That [Piastri] cut the chicane and returned safely to the track in front of [Russell].
“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,” the verdict concluded.
