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Vasseur questions yellow flag protocol after Russell earns pole in qualifying

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 5:01 AM

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Vasseur questions yellow flag protocol after Russell earns pole in qualifying

Summary

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur criticized the decision not to show double yellow flags after Max Verstappen's crash at the Austrian GP qualifying on June 27, 2026. He believes the incident warranted stricter flagging procedures, suggesting safety should be prioritized amid rules that penalize drivers for slowing during free practice. Vasseur remarked on Mercedes' favorable outcomes this season in contrast to Ferrari's struggles. McLaren principal Andrea Stella weighed in on Russell's pole-winning lap, noting it fell on the edge of the rules but respecting the stewards' decision to uphold it. The focus now shifts to the race on June 28, where Ferrari aims to capitalize on the situation.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Vasseur calls for stricter flag protocols after Verstappen's crash.
•Russell's pole lap occurred under a single yellow flag condition.
•McLaren's Stella supports the stewards' decision regarding Russell.
•Ferrari aims to improve performance in the race following qualifying.
•Next race takes place on June 28, 2026.

Latest Updates

5:01 AMYahoo Sports — Vasseur: "The coin seemingly always lands the right way for Mercedes' after Russell's pole

What they're saying

"
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur argues that double yellow flags should have been shown immediately following Max Verstappen's crash during the closing stages of Austrian GP qualifying. The Frenchman suggested the initial flagging procedure should be stricter, believing the incident warranted an instant double yellow rather than the sequence that ultimately unfolded.
— Yahoo Sports

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