Sun Dec 08 16:50:16 UTC 2024: ## Russell Slams McLaren’s “Team Orders” After Qatar Sprint, Sets Sights on Fair Race

**Losail, Qatar –** Mercedes driver George Russell criticized McLaren’s sprint race strategy after finishing third, calling the team’s tactics “infuriating” and expressing hope for a cleaner race on Sunday. McLaren secured a one-two finish with Oscar Piastri taking the win after Lando Norris strategically yielded the lead on the final lap, a reciprocal gesture following Piastri’s earlier concession in Brazil.

However, Russell voiced his disapproval of Norris’s earlier race maneuvers, where the McLaren driver deliberately slowed, preventing Russell from overtaking and ensuring Piastri maintained DRS advantage. “It was very close to Turn 1 on a couple of occasions,” Russell stated. “It was obviously so frustrating every lap, Lando backing up, giving Oscar the DRS.” While acknowledging the strategic reasoning, Russell emphasized the impact on the race’s competitiveness and fan experience.

Russell will start Sunday’s Grand Prix from pole position after Max Verstappen was penalized for impeding during qualifying. Verstappen, initially fastest, received a five-place grid penalty for violating Article 33.4 of the sporting regulations, dropping him to second. The McLaren drivers will start in third and fourth.

“Hopefully we can have a proper race rather than this team orders stuff,” Russell declared. Norris confirmed the pre-arranged agreement with Piastri regarding race concessions but indicated this wouldn’t apply to the main race. Both drivers anticipate a thrilling Grand Prix, with Norris acknowledging Mercedes’s strong pace and Red Bull’s unexpected improvement.

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