Ocon gets F1 grid drop after Russell block in qualifying

Esteban Ocon will be demoted three positions for Sunday’s Formula 1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone after impeding George Russel during qualifying.

The Renault driver was overtaking Antonio Giovinazzi’s Alfa Romeo while on an out-lap coming onto the Wellington straight when he inadvertently delayed Russell, who was forced to back out of his first flying lap in Q1.

Russell claimed the moved was “mega dangerous”, while Ocon himself admitted over team radio that he was likely to receive a penalty, which duly came after both drivers were summoned to see the stewards after the session.

The Silverstone stewards noted that Renault had failed to warn Ocon that Russell was approaching from behind on a flying lap.

“At the exit of turn five [Aintree] Giovinazzi was at the head of three cars and was on an in-lap, Ocon was next, on an out-lap and Russell was on a flying lap,” the stewards concluded.

“While Russell approached, the team advised Ocon on the radio about Giovinazzi ahead, but didn’t advise about Russell until very late. As Russell approached the two cars ahead, Ocon pulled to the right to overtake Giovinazzi and clearly impeded the much faster Russell.

“The team admitted that they did not assist their driver in this instance which led to the impeding.”

Ocon - who was also given a penalty point on his licence for the incident - qualified 11th but will start Sunday’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix 14th, one position ahead of Russell.

The Briton went on to make it out of Q1 to score his fourth consecutive Q2 appearance for Williams this season.