Russell explains early exit after Mexico City Grand Prix setbacks

George Russell has explained why he left the Formula 1 paddock quickly after the Mexico City Grand Prix, saying he was upset after a race that unravelled from the start. The Briton, who qualified second behind Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, lost ground at the start due to an energy deployment issue and then collided with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, earning a 10-second penalty. He finished sixth, while team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed third and the world championship.

Russell congratulated Antonelli in parc ferme before leaving and missing his mandatory post-race media duties, which resulted in a €5,000 fine for Mercedes. Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he said he had wanted to get out of the venue to pick himself back up, and admitted he did not feel like talking to the media after the race.

Russell said he had experienced many setbacks this season, with issues in 14 of the races so far compared with six races without problems.