Russell admits high-risk pit-lane spin in Sao Paulo

George Russell has explained his pit-lane exit spin at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which cost him around 30 seconds and a place to Nico Hulkenberg. Russell said he took a high-risk approach after spotting an opportunity, and that it went against him on this occasion.

The spin came when the field switched from intermediate tyres to slicks as the track dried. Russell was set to rejoin behind Lando Norris, but he spun on the exit and briefly blocked the track. He then attempted a one-stop strategy on dry tyres, which he said ironically helped him rejoin the race. Russell described the stint on the soft tyres as showing the fastest race pace he had shown in quite a while.

When rain returned late in the race, Russell avoided a pit-stop and switched to intermediates to take fourth place, helping Mercedes seal the constructors' championship.