George Russell’s crash on the final lap of the Australian GP will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2024 race. While trying to catch up to the car in front of him, Russell lost control of his vehicle and collided with the barriers. He then reentered the track in a tilted position, prompting him to request a red flag for safety reasons. The incident left him in a dangerous spot on the track and understandably concerned for his well-being.
The fact that Russell begged for a red flag and race control dismissed the virtual safety car is shocking. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred as a result of the crash. The Australian GP retirement was a major disappointment for the Mercedes F1 team, as it resulted in a double DNF. Additionally, Russell’s teammate also had to retire early due to an engine issue.
While the exact cause of Russell’s crash at the Australian GP is still unknown, he has taken full responsibility for the incident. He acknowledged that he was at fault for the high-speed crash at Albert Park. Prior to the crash, Russell was on track to finish in a points-scoring position.
Mercedes had hoped that Russell would secure valuable points for the team after Hamilton’s retirement. However, their expectations were not met, as both drivers were forced to retire from the race. This double DNF has had a significant impact on the German team, dropping them to fifth place in the Constructors Championship with only 26 points.