Mercedes reveals cracked sump nearly forced Antonelli out of Mexican Grand Prix

Mercedes has revealed that Andrea Kimi Antonelli came close to retiring from the Mexican Grand Prix after a fault developed in his power unit during the final laps. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord said the team found the car's floor covered in oil after the race, caused by a cracked sump.

Antonelli said he began to feel the engine struggling about four laps from the end, leaving him on the edge of retirement before the power unit held together. He lost almost two seconds on the final lap, which he attributed to crying.

Lord also explained that George Russell lost power on the run to turn one at the start of the race, dropping him from a strong position into the midfield, with the incident linked to the complex energy rules.