Mercedes has been fined 5,000 euros after driver George Russell failed to attend his media obligations post-race at the Mexico Grand Prix. The British driver finished in sixth place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, despite starting the race from second position, affected by a battery issue on the opening lap.
In addition to the financial penalty, Russell also received a 10-second penalty for a collision with Isack Hadjar at turn 6. Thus, his sixth position became the best possible result on a day that, for the team, was marked by the celebration of the world title of his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
The stewards detailed in their report that the team had been notified that the driver had left the circuit without fulfilling his press obligations. “Stewards may decide in cases of absence from a hearing, imposing a 5,000-euro fine on the competitor,” reads the document from the FIA. According to regulations, Mercedes had committed an infraction of article B10.1.4e.
Nonetheless, it became apparent that the team principal, Toto Wolff, had consented to Russell leaving the circuit in light of the stressful events of the day. Wolff stated that he found Russell in a moment of great stress and regarded his reaction as an act of respect toward his teammate, who had just been crowned champion. “I completely understand why he didn’t want to stay for the media obligations,” Wolff added, highlighting the harshness of the situation the driver experienced that weekend.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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