Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team raised concerns over Scuderia Ferrari’s intra-team battle at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, after untelevised radio revealed his claim that Charles Leclerc held up Lewis Hamilton.
The moment occurred on lap 24 at the Shanghai International Circuit, where an intense duel between the Ferrari drivers disrupted the race rhythm of cars behind. Russell, running closely in contention, was forced to adjust his line and came close to the edge of the track due to the concertina effect created by the battle ahead.
Over team radio, Russell immediately questioned Leclerc’s actions as the situation unfolded.
“What’s Leclerc doing?” Russell said, as reported by PlanetF1.
“Leclerc just backed up Lewis in the train.”
The exchange came amid a fierce on-track fight between the Ferrari team-mates, with Leclerc earlier describing the battle as “quite fun” over his own radio. However, from a rival’s perspective, the level of aggression raised concerns over potential contact, particularly given the proximity of multiple cars in the same sequence.
Russell ultimately managed to overtake both Ferraris and secure second place, finishing approximately 20 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who claimed his first podium with Ferrari since joining the team in 2025. Ahead of them, Kimi Antonelli delivered victory for Mercedes.
Speaking in the post-race press conference, Russell described the Ferrari duel as one of the most aggressive contests he had witnessed in recent times.
“I was just waiting for the two of them to collide, and somehow they didn’t,” Russell stated, as cited by PlanetF1.
“It was some of the most aggressive racing I’ve seen for a while.”
From a technical standpoint, Russell also highlighted the contrasting performance characteristics between Mercedes and Ferrari. He noted that Ferrari held an advantage through the corners, while Mercedes maintained stronger straight-line speed, complicating overtaking scenarios.
“Ferrari are definitely very quick. They are quicker in the corners than us, slower on the straight,” he explained.
“When you’re trying to pass two cars with those characteristics at the same time, it’s not straightforward.”
Russell further acknowledged that the time lost behind the Ferraris effectively eliminated any realistic opportunity to challenge Antonelli for victory, despite Mercedes’ overall competitiveness throughout the weekend.
“I think it would have been very difficult to challenge Kimi, to be honest. He’s been very quick all weekend,” he added.
“But the time I lost behind the Ferraris gave me no chance. Still, I’m pleased with P2 because it could have been worse.”
Despite Mercedes’ current advantage, Russell cautioned that the competitive order could shift, particularly with anticipated technical adjustments concerning engine parameters by the FIA in the coming months.
Ferrari’s internal dynamics, as seen in Shanghai, are now under increased scrutiny, especially regarding how the team will balance competitive freedom with strategic execution between its two lead drivers. With the championship still in its early phase, managing such scenarios will be critical as Formula 1 heads into the next round of the 2026 season.
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