World · Singapore Bureau
Russell excused from media after Antonelli clinches F1 title in Mexico
Mercedes granted George Russell relief from post-race media duties following the Mexico City Grand Prix, where his 20-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli became Formula One's youngest champion.
LSN Singapore ·
MEXICO CITY — George Russell was excused from his media responsibilities after the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff citing the driver's emotional state following the race.
Antonelli's maiden F1 title triumph at just 20 years old marked a significant moment for the sport, making him the youngest champion in the championship's history. The achievement came at the same team where Russell competes, adding to the complexity of the result for the British driver.
Wolff acknowledged Russell's distress in the immediate aftermath of the race, leading the team to waive his obligation to participate in the standard post-race media engagement. Such exemptions are uncommon in Formula One, where drivers are typically required to attend media duties regardless of race circumstances.
The Mexico City Grand Prix delivered a decisive outcome in the 2024 championship battle, with Antonelli's victory effectively securing his place in the record books. The result underscores the competitive intensity within Mercedes and the high stakes involved at the pinnacle of motorsport.