Mercedes received a €5,000 fine after the Mexico Grand Prix because George Russell failed to attend his post-race Formula 1 media commitments.
Race Struggles and Penalty
Russell crossed the finish line in sixth place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. He had started Sunday’s event in second position, but lost four spots on the opening lap due to a battery issue. The British driver additionally picked up a 10-second penalty for a collision with Isack Hadjar at Turn 6, leaving sixth place as his maximum possible result on a day when team-mate Kimi Antonelli secured the world championship.
According to the official FIA report, the stewards spoke with a team representative and noted that the driver departed the circuit without fulfilling his media obligations. The report stated that since the stewards can proceed with a determination when an attendee is absent, a €5,000 penalty was issued to the competitor.
Mercedes violated Article B10.1.4e of the regulations. The stewards recorded that the driver missed the hearing while the team representative provided evidence via telephone.
Team Backing and Permission
It later became clear that Silver Arrows principal Toto Wolff authorized Russell to leave the track ahead of schedule following a grueling day for the pre-season title favorite.
Wolff explained that he encountered George on the FIA scales after the grand prix and noted the driver was visibly distraught. The team boss praised the driver for congratulating Kimi and pointed out their long-standing relationship. Wolff described the moment as catastrophic for a racing driver, noting that the race reflected much of Russell’s season since the car had the necessary pace but let him down on the first straight due to unexpected energy delivery.
Wolff expressed full support for Russell, stating that staying would have actually surprised him and that his departure from the track was completely understandable and honored.
