Russell Slams Corner‑Cutting, Stewarding After Mexico GP

George Russell blasted the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix as “lawnmower racing” after a four‑wide run into Turn 1 saw Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen cut the grass/run‑off and rejoin ahead while Russell, who took a cautious on‑track line, lost places and finished seventh. He said allowing drivers to run across the grass effectively gives a “get‑out‑of‑jail‑free card” that penalises those who stay on the circuit and urged changes to the run‑off and stewarding at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Russell questioned stewarding consistency after the stewards deemed the opening incident a first‑lap racing incident but later issued Lewis Hamilton a 10‑second penalty for a separate off‑track advantage at Turn 4, while Leclerc and Verstappen avoided punishment. He warned the problem is recurring — citing past examples involving Carlos Sainz, Leclerc and Hamilton — and said the current layout lets drivers “send it down the outside” and either make it stick or cut the grass and retain position, which he called unacceptable.