George Russell questions Monaco race future after ‘screw it’ moment at chicane

George Russell said he thought “screw it” when deliberately cutting the chicane in Monaco and suggested the race may need to be scrapped as he felt a mandatory two-stop rule failed to work.

Monaco is the most prestigious race on the Formula One calendar but it is also nigh-on impossible to overtake around the streets of the principality.

The FIA introduced a mandatory two-stop rule for this year in a bid to aid strategy, which did not make much impact on the order but did at least create some strategic games.

Russell, who qualified 14th after breaking down on Saturday, dived straight on at the Nouvelle Chicane to pass Alex Albon after the Williams man had backed him up lap after lap.

Albon was working to aid team-mate Carlos Sainz – who had earlier done the same – and ensure both Williams finished in the points but Russell accused the London-born Thai driver of driving “erratically”.

Russell, who finished 11th, said on the radio that he “did not care” when ordered to give the place back by Mercedes but was surprised to receive a drive-through penalty.

The 27-year-old had no regrets over his move, saying: “I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t really care because I was out of the points.

“I didn’t get the chance (on Saturday) to enjoy Monaco. I just said, screw it, I want to enjoy Monaco.

“I want to enjoy driving this track full gas. It’s one of the best circuits in the world. And that’s what I did.

“The last 25 laps was the most fun I’ve had all weekend.”

Asked about Albon, Russell added: “I’m having dinner with him tonight, so he’ll definitely get the bill!”

Sainz allowed Albon to pass him when their pit-stop game came to an end, with the Williams pair crossing the line ninth and 10th.

Albon admitted that was not “how I want