Blue flags for Russell
It’s still too early to think of a white flag of surrender from George Russell in this 2026 World Championship, but the fact remains that the blue flags waved at him today in Monaco precisely to let his teammate pass are a real blow.
Read more Incredible, Leclerc crashes into the wall on the restart: “I’m not taking the blame, damn brakes”
Russell lost a lot of time behind Isack Hadjar who had problems with first gear, while Antonelli, unlike what usually happens in Monaco, pushed from the start without holding back, and so two-thirds into the race, he lapped Russell at the exit of Portier, who was in fourth position.
The image of being lapped is symbolic of the moment the two Mercedes drivers are going through: Antonelli is in a state of grace, while Russell is suffering immensely from the situation. The Safety Car that subsequently entered the track after Stroll’s accident then allowed everyone to unlap themselves; obviously, Antonelli and the Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc remained on the lead lap.
Read more Russell’s disaster: drive-through for not serving the 5-second penalty
