Russell calls out Leclerc for 'questionable defending' in British GP

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George Russell criticized rival Charles Leclerc for resorting to "questionable defending" during the pair's scrap in the British Grand Prix.

Russell spent the first 18 laps of his race hot on the heels of Leclerc's Ferrari. The two men's tussle was broken up when the latter opted to pit while the Mercedes driver chose to extend his run on the soft tyre to lap 28 when he switched to mediums.

Russell rejoined just behind Leclerc, locking himself once again in a close battle with the Monegasque. The fight was short-lived however, with the Mercedes charger quickly gaining the upper hand over his rival and powering on to finish fifth.

"I felt good on those tyres, and that was 28 laps within one second of a car ahead," he said.

"I think I could have extended even further had it been clear air. I felt really good on that on that tyre, it felt really good on our car.

Read also: Mercedes expected to 'eat up' McLarens after Safety Car period

But Russell was unimpressed with Leclerc' defensive tactics during his opening stint.

"I did my best to overtake Charles, some questionable defending at points. But it wouldn't have changed my race. Had I got past him, it probably would have meant I would have boxed even earlier.

"Probably both the McLarens would have pitted to cover me. So I still probably would have finished fifth."

Asked to elaborate on his battle with Leclerc, Russell said the Ferrari driver had changed lines one time too many as they entered Silverstone's Turn 16.

"It was just about braking into Turn 16," he said. "I was about to lunge him down inside and right at the braking zone he came across pretty aggressively.

"That's clearly not allowed in the rules. I think they gave him a slap on the wrist. But you know when you got one overtaking opportunity and [he gets] sort of a warning for it, it's a bit frustrating."

While unhappy with Leclerc's behaviour, Russell said that he had no intention of mentioning the issue in the next drivers' briefing.

"I don't think I need to," he noted. "It was very borderline. I need to look at a video again.

"It felt on the limit from within the car, or maybe just over the limit. I've not seen a replay. I'm not too concerned about it right now."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.