Wolff: Russell “distraught” after Antonelli clinches title
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says George Russell was left “distraught” after seeing teammate Kimi Antonelli seal the Drivers’ Championship in Mexico City.
George Russell finished sixth in the Mexico City Grand Prix as his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli sealed the Drivers’ Championship. Antonelli, aged 20, became Formula 1’s youngest world champion with four races still to run.
Russell started the race from second on the grid but a poor getaway caused by a technical issue dropped him to sixth on the opening lap. He was later handed a 10‑second time penalty after officials judged him to have caused a collision with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar.
After the race, Russell was among the first to congratulate Antonelli in person, embracing the Italian before leaving the circuit.
Mercedes announced that Russell would not take part in his usual post‑race media obligations, and the team was subsequently fined for the exemption. Team principal Toto Wolff later explained the decision, saying he saw Russell “on the FIA scales” and that the driver was “distraught about the situation.”
Wolff added, “It was a great show of sportsmanship to go and see Kimi.” He described the moment as “catastrophic” for Russell.
The race also saw Max Verstappen win, while Lewis Hamilton finished behind Antonelli, adding further drama to the event.
