Russell blames pit exit spin on chasing Brazil win

George Russell says he spun at the pit lane exit during the Brazilian Grand Prix because he saw a chance to win and took too much risk. The Mercedes driver was running third early on as the track dried, within 10 seconds of leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, when he pitted on lap 17 to switch from intermediates to slicks. The spin cost him around 16 seconds and dropped him behind several rivals, and he eventually finished fourth.

Russell said he had no idea what happened at the exit. He was one of few drivers to make only two pit stops, keeping slick tyres on until the rain returned late in the race. He acknowledged that this meant he did not pit for another set of slicks, which left him back in much the same position as before the incident.

Russell started seventh after a penalty for an engine change, having set the second-fastest qualifying time. He said he was more satisfied with the weekend's performance than the result, noting that his soft-tyre pace was strong but that the mistake had cost him.