Mercedes withdraws appeal for George Russell's Monaco penalty amid fan backlash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 8:44 AM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team announced on June 19, 2026, that it has withdrawn its Right of Review regarding George Russell's pitlane speeding penalty from the Monaco Grand Prix. This decision followed a promise from the FIA to address regulatory issues, which Mercedes framed as a collaborative choice. However, fans reacted strongly on social media, criticizing the team for not adequately supporting Russell and comparing their approach unfavorably to rival teams. The situation underscores existing tensions within the team as Russell's position appears increasingly isolated amidst the rising success of teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 championship.
- •Mercedes withdraws appeal on June 19, 2026, after FIA promise.
- •Fans express outrage over perceived lack of support for Russell.
- •Contrast drawn between Mercedes' and rivals' handling of penalties.
- •Kimi Antonelli currently leads the 2026 driver's championship.
- •Critics label Mercedes' handling as a PR stunt with no substantive action.
- 8:44 AMYahoo Sports — F1 Fans Scorching Toto Wolff Over Mercedes’ Right of Review U-Turn
"In the cutthroat world of Formula 1 politics, perception is everything. If a team won’t fight tooth and nail for its drivers in the stewards’ room, it sends a loud message to the rest of the paddock—and to the fans…
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 6:28 PMNorris' real opportunity after coming from nowhere with 'masterpiece' lap
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 6:27 PMF1 Full Results | Norris secures Spanish GP Pole Position at the Madring
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 5:50 PMDTM Sachsenring Race 1: Wittmann wins to keep title hopes alive
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 5:49 PMSpanish Grand Prix: Everything you need to know about F1's brand-new Madring
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 4:31 PMF1 Spanish GP: Antonelli leads tricky second practice as Lindblad crashes
F1•Sep 12, 2026, 3:45 PMThis is the starting grid for the 2026 F1 Spanish Grand Prix
