Mercedes’ timing has been questioned ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, as George Russell has been used by the team in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), something which has resulted in a number of questions regarding his clashes with other drivers.
Russell has begun to build somewhat of a reputation for colliding with other drivers and then coming onto the radio to say, “he turned into me”, with the Brit having been involved in clashes at a number of races this season.
The most notable ones came at the French, Singapore, and last weekend’s United States Grand Prix, with each occasion involving a different driver.
At the French Grand Prix, Russell and Pérez came together whilst battling for fourth, with the Mexican being forced to go across the circuit at Turn Eight.
READ: Charles Leclerc makes Ferrari ‘communication and strategy’ claim
Russell attempted a late lunge on the 32-year-old, which resulted in slight contact between the pair.
This resulted in the 24-year-old’s usual comment of “he turned into me”, which resulted in Mercedes boss Toto Wolff telling him to overtake him on the circuit, after it was clear that Russell was furious with Pérez.
It happened again at the Singapore Grand Prix, where whilst overtaking Mick Schumacher on the rundown to Turn One, Russell turned across the front of the young German, resulting in a puncture for the Haas driver whilst running in the points.
“What the hell happened there?” asked Russell on the team radio.
“You turned into him George,” said ex-F1 driver turned commentator Martin Brundle, whilst a replay was being shown.
Last weekend’s collision was actually quite unfortunate for Russell, as the Brit hit Sainz after the Ferrari driver went across the front of the Mercedes.
Sains had started on pole but took a wide line into Turn One, before attempting to cut underneath Max Verstappen on his inside.
When he attempted the move, though, he was hit and spun by Russell, which forced the Spaniard into retirement.
Russell was awarded a five-second time penalty as a result, a somewhat light penalty according to some.
Considering all that’s happened, it seems very odd timing for Russell to be doing what is effectively a Q&A on Reddit, a site notorious for negativity.
Russell was asked a number of questions; however, the majority where aimed at the collisions Russell has had this season.
“If Sainz crashed into you on lap one and ended your race after the first corner would you be satisfied with a 5 second penalty?” asked one user.
READ: Sergio Perez claims Max Verstappen is a gossip king
“So, George, who’s your next victim this week?” said another.
“How does it feel to take out your rival, get a tiny amount of penalty and gain points on him?” Russell was also asked.
Another Reddit user tried to ask the Brit, “How awesome does it feel being able to play bumper cars with 10,000,000$ machines?”