Russell spins in pit lane and drops to eighth at Interlagos

George Russell said he was unsure what caused a spin as he left the pit lane during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, which dropped him from fourth to eighth. He said he had taken a high-risk approach to capitalise on the crossover period between wet and dry conditions, adding that the move had gone against Mercedes.

Russell said another rain shower later in the race meant he avoided a second pit stop for dry tyres, and he highlighted the pace he showed on the soft tyre. He also switched to intermediates early when rain returned, making up ground on those ahead.

Russell finished fourth, helping Mercedes reclaim the Constructors' Championship, one place ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell was unable to catch Isack Hadjar's Red Bull, and he complained of something wrong with his car in the closing stages.