GEORGE RUSSELL has accused Mercedes’ rivals Ferrari and Red Bull of “pushing F1 rules”.
The Silver Arrows new boy has produced a consistent season, but neither he nor Lewis Hamilton have been able to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc for wins for much of it.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have been more competitive in recent weeks
Red Bull and Ferrari have ‘pushed’ rules, claims George Russell
Mercedes have narrowed the gap in recent weeks, with Hamilton collecting five consecutive podiums.
And Russell, 24, believes that his team will be even more competitive in the second half of the season when new FIA technical directives are finally introduced from the Belgian GP onwards.
The new rules had been intended to be rolled out last month, only to be delayed following a backlash from the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull.
FIA chiefs have been keen to combat “porpoising”, as they look to protect the safety of drivers.
Russell reckons that things are about to heat up, telling Sky Sports: “Spa is going to be interesting.
“There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us.
“I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix.
“There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended.
“There’s no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower.
“There’s no guarantees, every car is different but it’s not going to help them that’s for sure.”
Red Bull chief Christian Horner hit back: “Ferrari still has a quick car and Mercedes are coming back at us. Maybe we don’t need to TD in Spa.
“The technical directive has no effect on us. We need quick clarification on what the rules are for 2023. I hope as early as this week.
“It’s ten past midnight for next year and Cinderella has already left.”
The Formula 1 season has entered its summer break, with action to return at the Belgian Grand Prix later this month.
Christian Horner is supremely confident
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