During the third free practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday, George Russell and the Mercedes team were fined €7500 following a pit lane incident involving Fernando Alonso. The stewards also issued a formal warning to Russell for his actions during the event, citing safety concerns on the Zandvoort track.
Late in FP3, Russell slowed down on the left side just before the pit entry, preparing to enter the pit lane. At the same time, Alonso was on a flying lap approaching quickly from behind on the right side. Unaware of Alonso’s presence, Russell began his pit entry by moving right, forcing both drivers to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. In the end, Russell aborted his pit stop, while Alonso successfully entered the pit lane without incident.
Stewards Attribute Responsibility Mainly to Mercedes Team
The race director referred the situation to the stewards, who concluded that the Mercedes team bore most of the blame for the incident. The team failed to warn Russell that Alonso was approaching rapidly on a hot lap, a communication lapse that led to the fine.
“for failing to warn their driver appropriately.”
—Stewards
Alongside the team fine, Russell was warned for not positioning himself more carefully. The stewards noted he should have moved further right to allow faster cars clear passage, especially given the nature of Zandvoort’s pit lane entry, which requires heightened caution.
The penalty was imposed under Article 37.5 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, which states that any competitor may be penalized for unnecessarily impeding another car or stopping on track during free practice or qualifying. This rule aims to maintain safety and fairness during critical session timings.
Russell’s Decision to Delay Contract Talks with Mercedes During Break
Separately, George Russell revealed it was his choice to postpone contract discussions with Mercedes over the summer break. At 27 years old, the driver expressed a desire to use the downtime to rest and recharge rather than focus on negotiations.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, confirmed that no talks took place during the break. When questioned about this, Russell told F1’s official website:
“This was my choice to be honest. Toto and the team were very open to discuss and come to a solution during the break but I didn’t want to use those precious two weeks that we have to really take the time off and recharge.”
—George Russell, Mercedes Driver
Russell stressed that there was no urgency from either side to finalize the new contract, indicating that the agreement would be completed “when the time is right.” Wolff further clarified that only formalities remain, and the deal’s completion is expected without major issues.
Implications of the Incident and Contract Delay on the Season
The €7500 fine and warning sent a clear message about the importance of communication and awareness in the pit lane, especially on a demanding circuit like Zandvoort. Such incidents could have serious consequences on safety and race outcomes, so adherence to regulations remains critical.
Meanwhile, Russell’s decision to prioritize mental rest over immediate contract talks shows his focus on maintaining form and well-being during the intense racing calendar. As the season progresses, how these factors impact Mercedes’ performance and Russell’s future could become key storylines.
