Major panic from Russell after crash, FIA ignores red flag request

George Russell crashed from seventh place on the final lap of the Australian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver was in a battle for P6 with Fernando Alonso but was surprised by a manoeuvre by the Spaniard. After his accident, Russell was keen for a red flag. However, he received zero response from the FIA.

On Russell's team radio after the crash, he can be heard panicking and calling for a red flag: "Red flag, red flag, red flag. I'm in the middle of the track. Red flag, red flag. Red, red, red. I'm in the middle, red. F*cking hell."

However, the FIA decided not to use the red flag, but double yellows and a virtual safety car. Race officials wave double yellow in the event of a major accident, where the track is partially or even completely blocked. This did allow the race to end safely.