By: It may be too early to call it a knockout blow, but George Russell certainly did not leave Monza in high spirits. With Kimi Antonelli taking a grid penalty, the Italian Grand Prix was a major opportunity for the Briton to close the gap in the standings; instead, his team-mate's victory saw Mercedes' #63 fall another seven points behind, slipping to -66 from the Italian driver.
It is far from an ideal prospect, especially considering that Russell himself will now have to serve the same penalty (most likely in Baku) for taking his fifth Power Unit. Add Antonelli's incredible run of form and the fact that the King's Lynn native has not won since the Austrian GP at the end of June, and while the title chase is still possible, plans after Monza will certainly need to be revised.
This is not Formula 1
The most unpleasant episode, however, came immediately after the race, when Russell was met with a chorus of boos as he stepped onto the podium: behaviour that must be condemned, and which runs completely counter to the values not only of motorsport and Formula 1, but of sport in general.
Fans may be disappointed by a Ferrari performance that failed to live up to expectations, but frustration must not turn into disrespect. Too often, people forget that beneath the helmet — however much they may seem like invincible superheroes to us — are perfectly ordinary young men with all their emotions.
Seeing passion turn into hatred leaves a very bitter taste. There is a line that should never be crossed; none of this has anything to do with supporting a team.
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