Mercedes DRS request for Russell “made no sense” in F1 Japanese GP

The pair were running close together on the track in fifth and sixth in the closing stages of the Suzuka race as the fast-charging Sainz closed up behind them.

Hamilton, who was on better tyres, was eventually allowed past Russell, but was then immediately ordered to slow down to try to keep Russell within DRS range so he would not be such a sitting duck against Sainz on the straights.

This came just one week after Sainz himself brilliantly used…