George Russell’s one-stop strategy at the Belgian GP initially seemed like a stroke of genius. However, things took a turn when he faced disqualification. Let’s break down the key points.
- Russell opted for a one-stop strategy, surprising everyone.
- Despite leading, his car was found to be underweight post-race.
- Pirelli offered insights into the unexpected low tyre wear.
- Team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged the team’s mistake.
George Russell’s clever one-stop strategy at the Belgian GP took many by surprise. He managed to pull ahead, battling closely with teammate Lewis Hamilton.
But, drama ensued after the race. The FIA disqualified Russell’s car for being 1.5kg under the minimum weight limit, spoiling what looked like a winning strategy.
Pirelli stepped in with some explanations. They noted higher-than-expected track temperatures and focused tyre management as key factors behind the lower tyre wear. This unexpected insight shed light on Russell’s bold strategy.
Toto Wolff, speaking after the race, admitted the team did not anticipate putting the hard tyre through such an extended stint. The lack of rubber and absence of a cooldown lap were contributing factors to the car’s underweight issue.
Despite the setback, Wolff highlighted the positives, noting how Mercedes showed impressive performance with two different strategies. Hamilton’s promotion to first place marked Mercedes’ third win in four races.
Wolff expressed optimism, acknowledging that mistakes happen, but also recognizing Russell’s potential for future wins. He emphasized the team’s benchmark status during the race.
Russell’s disqualification was a significant blow, but his strategic gamble and the resulting insights from Pirelli provided a lot for the team and fans to ponder.
Russell’s Belgian GP bid may have ended in disqualification, but it highlighted crucial factors and set the stage for future strategies.
Source: Planetf1
