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F1 Today | Mercedes abandon Monaco appeal bid after Russell penalty dispute, Russell speaks out, Verstappen blasts Schumacher, Alonso gives new formula the thumbs down

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F1 Today | Mercedes abandon Monaco appeal bid after Russell penalty dispute, Russell speaks out, Verstappen blasts Schumacher, Alonso gives new formula the thumbs down
In a late twist, Mercedes have decided against appealing the outcome of the Monaco Grand Prix, brining the matter to a close for the Silver Arrows. Meanwhile, George Russell reflects on the current F1 formula and Max Verstappen’s dad, Jos, barks back at TV pundit.

Mercedes abandon Monaco appeal bid after Russell penalty dispute

Mercedes have officially withdrawn their request for a Right of Review into the controversial Monaco Grand Prix result, bringing an end to one of Formula 1’s most unusual post-race disputes of the season.

The Brackley-based team had initially sought clarification from the FIA after Alpine successfully overturned the penalties that had dropped Pierre Gasly from the podium. The Frenchman was reinstated to third place after stewards accepted that a timing discrepancy in Monaco’s pit lane had led to incorrect speeding penalties being issued. But they have now dropped their right of review request.

Photo: Race Pictures

George Russell reflects on F1 reality with current issues difficult to accept

Russell opened the season with a win in Australia but has since been consistently outpaced by rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton also cutting into Mercedes’ early advantage after triumphing in Barcelona.

Despite trimming the championship deficit to 50 points at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Russell benefited from Antonelli’s late mechanical retirement just after the Italian overtook him for second.

Former Williams driver Riccardo Patrese has criticised Russell’s recent comments as “excuses,” arguing elite drivers adapt to any car and conditions.
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Russell

Photo: Race Pictures

Jos Verstappen fires back at Schumacher over ‘wrong Information’ on Max Mercedes talks

Jos and Max

Ralf Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made a behind-the-scenes offer to Max Verstappen, but claimed it was financially unattractive. Jos Verstappen publicly refuted the assertion, responding on Instagram that Schumacher was sharing “wrong information.”

The debate comes as Max’s long-term future is clouded by a reported performance clause that could allow him to leave Red Bull after 2026 if he is outside the top two at the summer break.
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Photo: Race Pictures

Max Verstappen is in Milton Keynes this week to prepare for the Austrian Grand Prix, with simulator work and discussions around a lighter RB22 high on the agenda.

Team principal Laurent Mekies has indicated the car will shed significant weight for the Red Bull Ring, with further—albeit smaller—upgrade packages expected before the summer break. Red Bull is also seeking clarity on Verstappen’s plans beyond 2026 after recent talks with the company’s leadership.
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Alonso delivers blunt verdict on F1 power units after FIA regulation shift

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Photo: Race Pictures

The FIA’s latest tweaks aim to rebalance the 2026 hybrid era, shifting the power split from the originally planned 53/47 ICE-to-battery ratio to 58/42, and then to 60/40 by 2028.

The adjustments are intended to improve energy deployment and fuel flow while making qualifying more about flat-out laps, amid driver concerns that the current formula incentivises slower cornering to recharge for straights. Alonso, echoing peers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, warned that such characteristics are ingrained in the power unit “DNA,” suggesting only limited gains from incremental rule changes.
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