George Russell says he was unable to get previous Charles Leclerc earlier within the race because the Ferrari driver was going unpunished for defensive strikes which broke the rules.

The Mercedes driver complained on his radio through the race that Leclerc had gone too far by altering his line to defend his place whereas they have been within the braking zone at Vale.

“I did my finest to overhaul Charles,” Russell informed media together with F1 Triviaafterwards, “some questionable defending at factors.”

“Beneath braking in flip 16, I used to be about to lunge him down the within and proper within the braking zone he got here throughout fairly aggressively,” stated Russell. “That’s clearly not allowed within the guidelines.”

He complained the stewards didn’t intervene over Leclerc’s defence, saying it price him one of many few probabilities he needed to get forward.

“I believe they gave him a slap on the wrist, however while you’ve received one overtaking alternative and also you get type of a warning for it, it’s a bit irritating,” stated Russell.

Nevertheless Russell, who’s a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation, stated he doesn’t plan to lift his issues over Leclerc’s driving.

“I don’t really feel I have to,” he added. “It was very borderline, I would like to take a look at the video once more it felt on the restrict from inside the automotive, or possibly simply over the restrict. I’ve not seen the replay, I’m not too involved about it proper now.”

Russell doubts he would have completed any larger if he had been in a position to move Leclerc the primary time he tried.

“It wouldn’t have modified my race,” he stated. “Had I received previous him, it in all probability would have meant I might have boxed even earlier. Most likely each the McLarens would have pitted to cowl me up, so I nonetheless in all probability would have completed fifth.”

2023 British Grand Prix

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