George Russell knew what was coming his way as he slipped out of the paddock gates at Spa on Sunday night.
THE GUILTY VERDICT
It wasn’t until he was heading home on the long and winding roads through the depths of the Ardennes that his worst fears were confirmed.
The third Grand Prix win of his career – one built on the back of a remarkable, bold strategy call – had been chalked off.
Russell was disqualified and the race win inherited by team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
As Russell was toasting the genius call to remain on a one-stop strategy, the sport’s governing body were busy conducting their usual post-race tests. It was there an anomaly was detected.
It took two-and-a-half hours for the stewards to confirm their judgement. But as he awaited the verdict, the conciliatory look on team boss Toto Wolff’s face gave you an inclination of the outcome to follow.
WHY HE WAS DISQUALIFIED
Russell’s car, the one which looked to have propelled him to his second win of the season, was 1.5kilos underweight and breached regulations.
READ ALSO – TESTICLE hanged out during 2024 Paris Olympics as dancer suffers x-rated wardrobe malfunction
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
‘We have to take it on the chin. A mistake has happened and a one-two would have been a great result going into the summer break,’ said Wolff, who labelled Russell the ‘tyre whisperer’ in the aftermath of his strategic masterstroke.
‘We have to learn from that. As a team there were positives but for George it is a massive blow for it to be taken away.’
Taking to social media, Russell, 26, said: ‘Heartbreaking. We left it all on the track today and I take pride in crossing the line first. There will be more to come.’
