George Russell brands Lewis Hamilton tactics dangerous at Australian GP
Mercedes driver George Russell has criticised the defensive driving of former team-mate Lewis Hamilton as “mega dangerous” following his victory at the Australian Grand Prix.
The 28-year-old led a commanding one-two finish for the Silver Arrows ahead of rookie Kimi Antonelli at Albert Park on Sunday.
However, previously unbroadcast team radio messages have revealed the race winner’s frustration with the defensive tactics employed by the newly-formed Ferrari pairing.
High-speed defensive concerns
The controversy centres on a lap 28 incident where the recovering Mercedes driver rapidly closed in on the seven-time world champion.
As they approached the high-speed Turn 9, the British racing icon defended his position robustly to block the inside line.
“So much movement in the straight when these guys are defending. It’s mega dangerous,” stated the eventual race winner over his team radio.
Earlier in the 58-lap contest, similar frustrations were directed towards Charles Leclerc during an initial battle for the lead.
Early clashes and engine debates
The Monegasque racer reportedly forced his rival towards the inside of the track as they prepared for a manoeuvre at Turn 11.
“That was very dangerous by Leclerc, especially after what we spoke about in the briefing,” the Mercedes star reported to his race engineer.
Following their dominant display in Melbourne, the current constructors’ champions now turn their attention to the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.
The victorious driver anticipates light-hearted complaints from his former garage partner regarding the impressive performance of the new Mercedes power unit.
“I’m flying with Lewis, so I’m sure I’m going to hear ‘your engine is so good, your compression ratio is illegal’ and this and that,” he joked.
