Russell admits ‘very silly mistake’ after Singapore Sprint crash

Russell takes responsibility for crash while leading

George Russell admitted he made a “very silly mistake” after crashing out of the Singapore Sprint, having taken the lead from Max Verstappen at the start.

In wet and changeable conditions at Marina Bay, Russell dipped a rear wheel onto the painted white line at the final corner. The Mercedes spun into the pit wall, bounced back across the track and came to a stop, ending his race.

“I just misjudged it, to be honest,” Russell said. He explained that he applied the throttle and received more battery power than expected, taking him slightly wide before he touched the slippery line. “The number one rule in the rain is don’t touch the white line,” he said, describing himself as “overly confident”.

Russell’s retirement was one of several in a chaotic Sprint. Oscar Piastri also went out after a collision with McLaren team-mate Lando Norris. Russell said the crash was especially frustrating given the strong start and his position at the front.

Mercedes hopes to repair car as Antonelli finishes fourth

Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord said the team would assess the damage, with a rear-end and front-corner repair potentially required. He said the floor did not appear badly damaged, but stressed that inspection would determine whether Russell’s car could be fixed in time.

Russell was already due to start Sunday’s Grand Prix from the back of the grid, making the Sprint an important chance to race near the front. Lord said the team would try to get him out for qualifying, while noting that his starting position for the Grand Prix was already set.

Team-mate Kimi Antonelli climbed from seventh to finish fourth. He said the Mercedes package felt “a little bit better” in the Sprint, but described its operating window as small. The team planned further setup changes ahead of qualifying as it continued to seek more pace from the upgrade.