Wolff lambasts US GP stewards - 'Total joke!'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described a penalty handed to George Russell during the United States Grand Prix as "a total joke".

Wolff rarely takes to the radio during a race but felt obliged to offer support to Russell after the Briton was given a five-second penalty for forcing former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, now with Stake, off the Circuit of the Americas.

Russell seemingly made a superb move on the Finn down the inside into Turn 12. Admittedly, Bottas had to run off the track to avoid a collision, however, the Mercedes driver was clearly ahead as they emerged out of the corner.

After a few minutes to deliberate, the stewards made their call. When Russell, who had started from the pit lane following a crash in qualifying on Saturday, was informed over the radio of their decision, he was clearly baffled. "What?" was his astonished reply.

It was not long before Wolff also made his feelings clear as he told Russell, "Total joke with the penalty, George. Total joke!"