Russell’s United States GP penalty draws criticism after opening-lap incident

George Russell was given a five-second penalty at the United States Grand Prix after the FIA stewards ruled that he left the track at Turn 12 on the opening lap and rejoined ahead of McLaren driver Oscar Piastri at the Circuit of the Americas.

Russell went on to finish eighth. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya said he was surprised by the penalty and argued that Russell had not gained an advantage from the incident.

The decision also drew a reaction from Russell, who described the penalty as "a bit ridiculous". Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also commented on the stewards’ ruling.