Russell addresses Magnussen's race ban: 'Then you should be punished too'

F1 News

F1 George Russell on Kevin Magnussen's penalty
12 September at 20:30
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Kevin Magnussen will not appear at the start of the Grand Prix on the streets of Baku in Azerbaijan. The Dane has recorded too many penalty points in a 12 month period, which means a race ban for him. Oliver Bearman is his replacement and will have to help Haas gain points at the 17th Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season. George Russell reacts to Magnussen's penalty.

Russell on Magnussen's punishment

"It's a conversation that has been had a number of times in previous years. No one has been banned in 12 years, so you could argue whether the penalty points were harsh enough? His penalty points from Monza seemed a little bit harsh, but you could also argue some of the other incidents perhaps were not harsh enough," Russell told GPblog and others.

Still, the Mercedes driver does understand the penalty. "I think also we need to set a bit of a precedent as well for the junior series. Those guys look up to us in F4, F3, F2, and you shouldn't be allowed to get away with dangerous or erratic driving. And at some point you do need to be punished for it," Russell concluded his argument.

Magnussen will return to the F1 grid in Singapore next weekend. The Danish driver will then complete the season on behalf of Haas but he will not remain in the seat for 2025. Bearman will take over full-time and will partner with Esteban Ocon.

This article has been created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom