Team orders to protect Hamilton despite “no sense” criticism

In the closing stages of the Suzuka race, one-stopping George Russell was running in fifth place, ahead of Hamilton, as the charging Ferrari of Carlos Sainz closed in on them from behind. 

While Hamilton was on fresher tyres, there was no immediate call for Russell to move aside for his team-mate – which prompted some frustrations from the seven-time world champion over the radio. 

Finally Mercedes relented and asked Russell to move over….