Mercedes dealt ANOTHER blow after huge Mexican GP crash in….read more
Mercedes faced another setback at the Mexican Grand Prix after George Russell crashed heavily during the second practice session. Russell, who was participating in the extended session at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, lost control of his car entering Turn 9, resulting in a severe collision with the barriers. The impact of the crash was significant, leading to a red flag and an extended delay as officials worked to clear the track.
Despite the intensity of the crash, Russell managed to exit the car on his own. He was, however, immediately taken to the medical center as a precaution. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft reported that the British driver appeared to be holding his ribs as he walked away from the incident, hinting at potential discomfort from the crash’s impact.
The accident marks a second major blow for Russell in just two weeks. In the previous race weekend in Austin at the United States Grand Prix, he also experienced a high-speed incident during qualifying. Although he recovered well in the main event, moving up from a pitlane start to finish in sixth, it appears these incidents are taking a toll on Mercedes’ resources and the driver’s momentum.
Adding to Mercedes’ recent challenges, Russell’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, also struggled during the Austin race. On lap three, Hamilton lost control of his car and spun, which he attributed to the team’s recent upgrades. Mercedes had introduced new modifications to their car, hoping to gain an edge over competitors. However, both drivers seem to be encountering unexpected handling issues, causing frustration within the team.
Sky F1’s Martin Brundle commented on the costs of the accident in Mexico, describing it as “hugely, hugely expensive” for the Brackley-based team. Mercedes later confirmed via social media that Russell had been examined and cleared by medical personnel and had rejoined the team following his release from the medical tent. His condition was a relief to fans, although the accident is another reminder of the physical risks drivers face and the financial burden on teams following such incidents.
As Mercedes looks to recalibrate after consecutive setbacks, they face pressure to address the handling issues that have plagued both Russell and Hamilton. With limited time before the next sessions, the team is working to ensure their drivers have stable setups to navigate the challenging Mexican circuit.
