George Russell: Why Was He Disqualified From the Belgian GP? Explained

On Sunday, during the final few laps at the Belgian GP, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battled for first place. Russell stayed in front with only a single pitstop, while Hamilton tried to overtake him right up to the finish line. However, after initially taking the victory, Russell was later disqualified from the Belgian GP, due to an infringement of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations. Let’s take a look at the details of Russell’s disqualification.

What happened to George Russell at Belgian GP?

George Russell was disqualified after the Belgian GP due to an infringement of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations regarding the post-race weight of his car.

After an excellent drive to the finish line, Russell secured P1 at the Belgian GP with a one-stop strategy. However, his very impressive efforts were in vain due to his disqualification from the race after initially getting the victory. This disqualification came due to a breach of the FIA regulations related to the weight of the car post-race. As per the rules, the minimum weight of the car without fuel should be 798kg. However, when measured post-race, Russell’s car showed 798kg on the scale, before the draining of fuel from the car.

Therefore, after the removal of the 2.8 liters of remaining fuel, George Russell’s car was underweight, weighing 796.5kg. Regarding this matter, a Technical Delegate’s report read, “As this is 1.5 kg below the minimum weight requested in TR Article 4.1, which also has to be respected at all times during the competition, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.” Later, after the stewards’ hearing, they released a document. It stated, “The stewards determine that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty for such an infringement needs to be applied.”

The FIA conducted the additional weight checks with the team as a witness. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff reportedly said that the team accepted the outcome, but it would be tough for Russell to take. This penalty leading to George Russell being disqualified from the race gave Hamilton the victory. Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc took P2 and P3 respectively.