George Russell’s Crash Marks Mercedes’ Fourth Day of Woes

George Russell’s crash during Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix marked Mercedes’ fourth consecutive day with an on-track incident. Russell collided with the barriers in the high-speed Esses continuing a string of recent issues: Lewis Hamilton spun out of the US Grand Prix on the second lap, Russell crashed in qualifying at the same Austin corner and Hamilton also spun during Friday practice there.

After the crash, George Russell led the first session by 0.317 seconds over Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and completed mandatory medical checks, receiving clearance to continue. Frustrated, Russell said, “It’s one thing after another… I tried the same line, and suddenly it just went.” Hamilton, who finished seventh-fastest in the second session, commented on handling issues, noting areas for improvement while expressing uncertainty about feasible fixes.

He missed the first session with Andrea Kimi Antonelli taking over his car and setting the 12th-fastest time. Other top drivers also faced challenges. Title contender Max Verstappen encountered an engine issue, sidelining him for most of both sessions. Meanwhile, Lando Norris, who finished fifth fastest struggled with grip, citing low confidence on the circuit’s surface.

He tested a new floor design while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, ran the previous spec and set the second-fastest time in the second session. Ferrari’s Sainz led the second session while Charles Leclerc missed the first after reserve driver Oliver Bearman collided with Alex Albon’s Williams. This left Albon’s car too damaged to continue, although stewards classified it as a “racing incident” despite Albon’s frustration.

Several teams used reserve drivers to meet F1’s rookie participation requirement. Felipe Drugovich replaced Fernando Alonso during his 400th grand prix weekend and Robert Schwartzman took over for Zhou Guanyu in the second Sauber.