Russell explains Mexico exit that cost Mercedes a fine

George Russell has explained why he left the media pen after the Mexico City Grand Prix, a decision that cost his Mercedes team a financial penalty. Russell finished sixth, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished third to clinch the World Championship.

Russell said he was extremely disappointed after the race, which included a 10-second penalty for a collision with Isack Hadjar on the opening lap. He said he felt he needed to get out of the circuit as the season had been relentless, and described the year as one of repeated setbacks that he had continued to recover from.

Russell is now focused on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and faces a battle to secure second place in the Drivers' standings with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in contention.