George Russell fires shot at Red Bull & Ferrari: ‘We’ve respected the regulations’

George Russell has hinted that Mercedes might benefit from the new technical directive that will be introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix.
George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 in the post race FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian
George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 in the post race FIA Press Conference. Formula 1 World…

The FIA will tighten its rules on flexible floors from the Belgian GP onwards - ওan area of the car that Red Bull and Ferrari have potentially exploited, explaining their perfo🌸rmance advantage in the opening half of the season.

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Mercedes struggled for pace initially as they suffe🥂red with porpoising, but in recent rounds, they’ve become more competitive with Lewis Hamilton scoring five consecutive podium finishes.

Mercedes were able to compete at the front at the Hungaroring as George Russell stormed🐟 to his maiden pole position before securing third behind Max Versta🀅ppen and Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W13. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest, Hungary,
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W13. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian Grand…

Looking ahead to Spa, Russell believes Mercedes could benefit from the new rules as they have🅘 “respected it as the regulation was intended.

“There’s no doubt we are making progress 💜as a team,” Russell told Sky Sports F1 on Sunday. “At the start of the season, we were finishing a minute behind the lead. Now it’s 10 seconds in the lastꦉ couple of races. If we can continue on that path, we will definitely be in the hunt.

“Spa is going to be interestღing. There’s some changes to some regulations which may bring other teams towards us. I think we, as a team, haveꦐ a lot of confidence and faith in ourselves that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason why we can’t be in that mix.

“There’s no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the reg꧙ulations in that regard and♌ we have respected it as the regulation was intended.

“But there’s no guarantees that it will bring them closer to us. We know, if it w🍨as on our car, it would make us slower. Every car is differe꧅nt, but it’s not going to help them, that’s for sure.”

Horner remains unfazed

Horner remains confident that the new dire☂ctive will have zero impact on Red Bull’s competitiveness from Spa onwards.

Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest, Hungary,
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 13, Hungarian…

“Ferrari still has a quick car and 😼Mercedes are coming back at us. Maybe we don't need to TD in Spa.

“The technical direꦚctive 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.”

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