F1: Russell handed 3-place grid penalty

Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has been handed a grid penalty for today’s USGP sprint race for blocking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

In SQ1 of the qualifying shootout to determine the grid for the Saturday sprint contest, Russell stayed on the racing line through Turn 19 left-hander to force a fast-approaching Leclerc to move to the inside.

Upon reviewing the incident with the addition of team radio and in-car video, the FIA stewards have determined that Mercedes failed to warn Russell in good time of the faster car behind. Subsequently, Leclerc was unnecessarily impeded.