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George Russell was accused of ‘doing a Max Verstappen’ after escaping a penalty for stopping in the pit lane during qualifying for this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. The Brit\u00a0ended up finishing in second after climbing up the order thanks to a post-race lap deletion for Lando Norris, who slipped to 10th after crossing the white line on his final Q3 attempt.<\/p>\n
Plenty of eyebrows were raised at the start of Q3 when Russell’s car ground to a halt in the middle of the pit lane before he eventually got going again. It came just weeks after Verstappen stopped at the pit lane exit line during qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix, an offence which resulted in an official reprimand for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n
Many observers were quick to draw comparisions between the two incidents, with Sky Sports F1<\/em> commentator David Croft accusing Russell of ‘doing a Verstappen’ while running the rule over what happened. Others have suggested that Russell should be investigated by the FIA, while some fans on X have called for a penalty to be handed down to the Mercedes ace.<\/p>\n @MXS46874722 wrote: “A few weeks ago it was a complete mayhem because the stewards said Max should\u2019ve had a penalty for stopping in the pit straight. George did exactly the same today.” @MichaelNUFC_ simply asked: “Why is Russell not being investigated for literally stopping in the pit lane?”<\/p>\n “Hope Russell gets a penalty for just stopping in the pit lane,” said @GeorgeK_VII, while @mkhulxifi added: “Russell cried about Max stopping in pit lane. Now he does it. If you don\u2019t like it, don\u2019t do it.”<\/p>\n @JoyJMurraya, meanwhile, pointed out: “George Russell pulling a Verstappen because he didn\u2019t get a penalty when he did it in Singapore!”<\/p>\n MORE TO FOLLOW<\/b><\/p>\n We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.<\/i><\/p>\n For the latest news and breaking news visit: \/sport<\/i><\/p>\n Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.<\/i><\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.<\/i><\/p>\n We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.<\/i><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n