George Russell ‘shocked’ by FIA decision during Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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George Russell was left ‘shocked’ by the decision made by FIA Race Control to continue racing as the rain got heavier during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The race was interrupted after 30 laps when a shower hit the circuit and increased the amount of rainfall, prompting some drivers to pit for a new set of Intermediate tyres including Russell.

The Mercedes driver pitted while leading the race along with second-placed Lando Norris, however, it turned out to be the wrong call when the Safety Car was deployed due to poor visibility.

This was upgraded to a red flag when Franco Colapinto crashed on the main straight, enabling everyone who didn’t pit to get a free pit stop while sitting in the pits.

Russell questioned why the FIA Race Control decided to take as long as they did to neutralise the race when it was clear drivers were struggling in the increasingly difficult conditions at the Interlagos circuit when speaking to Sky Sports.

George Russell questions FIA Race Control decision in Sao Paulo Grand Prix

A lot of the teams were anticipating another rain shower to hit the track after the race start, but some opted to stay out because the shower was only set to be brief.

Verstappen and both Alpine drivers stayed out and inherited the podium positions, with the Red Bull driver coming up from 17th on the grid.

Russell was livid with Mercedes’ decision to pit and questioned why it took so long for Race Control to respond when the conditions worsened.

“Normally when it’s drying it’s the team’s call, when it’s getting wetter it’s normally the driver’s call. I was very confident it would go Safety Car or red flag because it was like driving a boat,” said Russell.

“I was shocked, to be honest, I could barely keep my foot on the throttle down the straight the car was aquaplaning.”

Karun Chandhok makes Ayrton Senna comparison after Max Verstappen ‘masterclass’ in Sao Paulo

Verstappen was unstoppable when he inherited the lead from Russell and Norris, overtaking Esteban Ocon at the second restart and building up a 19-second gap at the flag.

Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok compared his drive to Ayrton Senna’s at Donington in 1993, when the Brazilian lapped the entire field apart from Damon Hill and finished over a minute ahead of the Briton.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen reveals ’emotions’ after ‘rollercoaster’ Sao Paulo GP victory

Much like Senna’s opening lap at that race, Verstappen overtook six cars including three in the second corner after taking the outside line.

The victory puts him 62 points ahead of title rival Norris, who dropped from pole to P6 at the finish after his pit stop blunder and a mistake during one of the restarts.