Russell Piastri verdict delivered after Canadian GP collision

George Russell and Oscar Piastri have avoided any sanction from the stewards following their collision late on in the Canadian Grand Prix.

The incident related to their coming together late in the race, on lap 63 of the 70 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. On much fresher medium tyres on his Mercedes, Russell attacked the third-placed McLaren driver at the end of the back straight into Turn 13.

In attempting to go around the outside, and with Piastri holding the correct line into the corner, the duo banged wheels. Russell was forced to take to the chicane, and ultimately the escape road, conceding a place to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the process.

It resulted in a stewards' investigation for an alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the FIA International Sporting Code, relating to the appearance of a lack of control over the car.

The stewards determined that: “The driver of Car 63 attempted to overtake Car 81 on the outside into Turn 13, got fully alongside, but, given the nature of the turn and the track conditions, failed to complete the manoeuvre and both cars slightly touched at the apex. 

“He then aborted the overtaking attempt, left the track and rejoined safely and without gaining any lasting advantage. 

“The stewards determine that no driver was wholly or predominantly at fault and therefore take no further action.”

Russell went on to pass Hamilton and Piastri over the closing laps to claim third place. The Australian finished fifth.