F1 star George Russell takes out Australian Grand Prix criticism in revealing conversation with tennis icon Novak Djokovic – and he doesn’t mince words about the sport’s tough schedule
- George Russell beats the Australian GP
- Russell criticizes the sport’s governing body
- Mercedes star calls Aussie GP ‘a killer’
Formula 1 star George Russell has been caught on camera complaining about the Australian Grand Prix in conversation with tennis star Novak Djokovic.
The 24-year-old Mercedes driver appeared at the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in France this week to watch the Serbian superstar compete.
Russell, a longtime tennis fan, watched as 22-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Gakhov passed in straight sets to make it to the third round.
After the game, the Brit met Djokovic and the pair posed for some photos and chatted.
What’s the stage now? Where are you going for the next one?’ Djokovic asked.
Formula 1 star George Russell has been caught on camera complaining about the Australian Grand Prix in a candid conversation with tennis star Novak Djokovic (pictured together)
The F1 star didn’t mince words when it comes to the Australian Grand Prix and the exhausting toll it’s taking on drivers
“We have Azerbaijan next. We just got back from Melbourne,’ Russell replied.
Djokovic then questioned Russell about recovery time for drivers after the trip down under.
The F1 star then admitted what he really thinks about the event and the exhausting toll it takes on drivers.
“Melbourne is a killer,” Russell said.
“I mean, it probably took a week to come back.
‘We were supposed to go to China next week, so we actually have a few weeks off. Then Azerbaijan and then the season really starts. Dan Miami.’
Djokovic went on to berate F1 bosses for not taking drivers’ needs into account with the sport’s schedule.
Russell indicated that those complaints had already been made to the top of the competition, but to no avail.
Russell said driver complaints about the F1 schedule have fallen on deaf ears
Russell is pictured after having a nightmare leaving the Australian GP earlier this month
“No, no, no, we’ve had a few conversations about this because we’re left, right, and center,” says Russell.
Indeed, F1 chiefs have talked about refreshing the sporting calendar to cut freight costs and reduce the carbon footprint.
“I think when you look at the calendar it makes sense to put some races together,” Red Bull boss Christian Horner told the media in 2022.
“Whether it’s some American races, some Asian races, Europe of course. Part of the calendar this year if you look at the geography of it, Azerbaijan to Montreal, a weekend to Australia, it’s about as expensive as you could make.”