George Russell has explained that he was not putting any pressure on Mercedes when he requested to overtake Lewis Hamilton during the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The Briton had been given a five-second time penalty in the race after being deemed to have rejoined the track in an unsafe manner, having collided with Sergio Perez following an error at the Mirabeau corner in the wet conditions. In light of this, fifth-placed Russell felt that he could be at risk from Charles Leclerc in sixth, while Hamilton was running ahead in fourth. The 25-year-old has since detailed his reasons for raising the possibility of the team letting him pass Hamilton.
Russell explains radio request to Mercedes
"I was being held up by [Esteban] Ocon and Lewis, and Charles was closing me down," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.com . "I was definitely not going to risk anything on Lewis in conditions and a circuit like this but, with that five-second penalty it could have been a good buffer if Charles had caught up. But it was not needed in the end. "I said to the team, no obligation and no pressure from my side, but just to consider it." Russell was ultimately able to hold on to fifth place, while Hamilton finished in fourth. Mercedes are now one point away from second-placed Aston Martin in the Constructors' Championship.
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