Russell explains Mexican GP exit after Mercedes fined

George Russell has said he reached an "I need to just get out of here" moment at the Mexican Grand Prix, when he left the circuit without carrying out his mandatory media duties. The FIA stewards fined his Mercedes team €5,000 as a result.

Russell's mathematical title chances ended in Mexico City, where teammate Kimi Antonelli was crowned Formula 1 world champion, the youngest in the sport's history. Russell had started the new era as many people's favourite after winning the season-opener in Melbourne, but the title later swung decisively towards Antonelli, who clinched it with four rounds remaining.

Mercedes told the media that Russell would not attend the media pen, and PlanetF1.com learned his early exit had been approved by the team. However, the FIA confirmed that no dispensation had been granted for him to miss his obligations. Attention now turns to the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.