Russell says 2026 has brought the most setbacks of his career

George Russell did not speak to the media after the Mexican Grand Prix, saying he was "extremely disappointed" by a technical problem that cost him several places on the first lap. The Mercedes driver had qualified on the front row, but a drop in energy deployment from his power unit left him further back. Mercedes' deputy team principal Bradley Lord described it as "a de-rate out of nowhere" linked to the complex energy rules.

Russell said the setback hurt more than the title being decided that day, which went to Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He described a season of repeated blows, with the cycle of picking himself up after each one becoming exhausting. He has now slipped to fourth in the championship behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, having led at the start of the year.

Despite this, Russell said he believes in himself and intends to come back stronger next year, adding that every athlete faces difficult years.