The Digester

Mercedes driver George Russell said Ferrari opposed an FIA tweak that would remove a formation-lap energy harvest limit after a chaotic Australian start that produced big performance gaps and a dangerous near-miss.

George Russell accused Ferrari of blocking an FIA proposal to change a rule aimed at improving safety at race starts.
The issue centers on a rule that limits energy harvesting on the formation lap, leaving some cars with depleted battery at the actual start.
Last week's Australian GP start showed large performance gaps and included a near-miss when Alpine's Franco Colapinto almost hit Liam Lawson's Racing Bull.
Ferrari's engine design has given them an advantage off the line, underlined by Charles Leclerc's jump from fourth to the lead in Melbourne.
The FIA can impose a safety change but has so far sought consensus and not forced the rule amendment.

Russell says Ferrari blocked FIA start safety fix

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