George Russell left the Mexican Grand Prix venue before completing his media commitments after a disappointing race coincided with team-mate Kimi Antonelli’s historic Formula One championship victory.
The 28-year-old Briton congratulated Antonelli following the race but did not remain on the track to participate in the celebrations.
His early departure resulted in a £4,173 fine for missing his scheduled media duties.
Russell had started the race in second position but dropped to sixth after Mercedes experienced an engine battery deployment failure.
He also received a 10-second penalty following a collision with Isaac Hadjar, further damaging his chances of securing a strong result.
Wolff Apologises for Mercedes’ Technical Failure
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Russell’s disappointment and apologised for the team’s performance, describing the situation as a ‘s***show’.
Wolff said he encountered Russell at the FIA weighing scales after the race and understood why the driver chose not to remain for the celebrations and media interviews.
“I saw George after the race on the FIA scales, and obviously he’s distraught about the situation,” Wolff said.
He also praised Russell for taking the time to congratulate Antonelli despite his own disappointment.
“It was a great show of sportsmanship to go and see Kimi,” Wolff added.
The Mercedes team principal said the race had reflected the difficulties Russell had experienced throughout the season, particularly because the car had the pace to challenge for victory.
He explained that an energy delivery problem affected Russell on the opening straight, preventing him from making the most of the car’s performance.
Wolff said he sympathised with the Briton, adding that he understood how difficult such circumstances could be for a racing driver.
He also defended Russell’s decision to leave without completing his media obligations, saying his staying would have surprised him.
Russell’s Difficult Season Continues
Russell began the campaign as Mercedes’ leading driver but has struggled to achieve consistent results.
He currently occupies fourth position in the Drivers’ Championship, matching his highest-ever finishing position in the standings.
Mechanical problems have repeatedly disrupted his campaign, with three retirements in Canada, Belgium and Singapore costing him an estimated 43 points based on his positions when those incidents occurred.
He also experienced a water leak and anti-stall problem in Hungary, another power unit issue in Malaysia, and further technical complications in China, Japan and the United States.
In July, Russell expressed optimism that Mercedes had resolved his persistent engine problems.
However, the difficulties continued to affect his performances.
Following his retirement from the Singapore Grand Prix, where he had been running third, he acknowledged that the team had experienced too many technical problems.
“It’s unfortunately happened too many times this season, and, yeah, this is just where we are,” he said.
Monaco Penalty Added to Russell’s Frustrations
Russell also endured a costly incident at the Monaco Grand Prix after receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
A communication failure within the Mercedes team meant he served the penalty incorrectly, resulting in an additional five-second deduction.
The combined 10-second penalty dropped him to 12th position at the finish.
The latest technical setback in Mexico added to a series of disappointing results for the British driver, who entered the season seeking to establish himself as a championship contender.
Antonelli Makes Formula One History
While Russell dealt with another difficult afternoon, Mercedes celebrated Antonelli’s maiden Drivers’ Championship.
At 20 years and 68 days old, the Italian became the youngest Formula One world champion in history after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The victory secured the championship with four races remaining in his second full season in the sport.
Antonelli credited Mercedes and his family for supporting his journey to the title.
“We did it! And without them, I wouldn’t be here, without Mercedes, without my family,” he said.
He described the achievement as a moment he would remember for the rest of his life and admitted he was still trying to process what had happened.
Antonelli also revealed that he had felt more nervous than usual during the race weekend but was relieved that the championship had been secured.
Hamilton and Verstappen Congratulate Antonelli
Lewis Hamilton, who finished second in the Mexican Grand Prix, joined the celebrations by congratulating Antonelli and Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion described the Italian’s achievement as remarkable and said he was grateful to have witnessed the historic moment.
Max Verstappen, who finished third, also praised Antonelli’s championship campaign and his achievement at such a young age.
He congratulated the entire Mercedes team and acknowledged the presence of Antonelli’s family, describing the occasion as an emotional day for the newly crowned champion.
