George Russell uses Kimi Antonelli scrap to address tense F1 debate

George Russell has questioned why some F1 personnel are calling for major changes to the new power units, pointing to the intense battle he had with team-mate Kimi Antonelli at the Canadian Grand Prix as evidence of their effectiveness.

The Mercedes duo fought for the lead throughout the opening half of the race, trading positions on multiple occasions.

The early stages of the new regulation cycle have drawn criticism from some who dislike the increased reliance on battery deployment in the current power units, and the impact this has on wheel-to-wheel racing.

There have already been suggestions that F1 could move to a 60/40 split next year, increasing the emphasis on combustion engine output - but this proposal has already been cast into doubt.

However, Russell defended the current regulations, insisting they have produced exciting racing across the opening rounds

“I loved it, I thought it was great,” Russell told media including RacingNews365 when asked for his view on his Montreal battle with Antonelli.

“I've not had a battle like this in years. I haven't seen a battle like this, probably since Lewis [Hamilton] and Nico [Rosberg] in Bahrain, 2014.

“These new cars allow you to do that, these new engines allow you to do that. 

“I don't know why anybody wants to change them, because we had amazing battles in Melbourne.

“We had great battles in China, Kimi and I have had a great battle today and yesterday.

“That's only possible because of how these power units are. That's my view on it.”

Russell’s efforts to stay ahead of Antonelli ultimately came to nothing after he suffered a power unit failure, forcing him to retire from the race.

The Briton now sits 43 points behind Antonelli in the drivers’ championship.