George Russell has revealed that he took too much risk while attempting to make up positions during the Sao Paulo GP and suffered a costly spin at the pit lane exit. After the race, Russell admitted that he had no idea what caused the incident.
“Obviously, it was a bit of an up-and-down race,” Russell said, reflecting on his Sunday afternoon. “I have no idea what happened on that pit exit. I probably just took too much risk, because I was seeing an opportunity to go for the win at that point, but it happened.”
“Ironically, because that happened, I then didn’t pit for another set of slick tyres, and it kind of put me back in the same position as I was before the incident. The most important [thing] is we got the championship sealed.”
George Russell Finished Fourth Despite Multiple Setbacks
The Briton scored a top-five finish at Interlagos after recovering from a race that saw him lose several positions following the spin. He had qualified second but started seventh after receiving a five-place grid penalty for an internal combustion engine (ICE) change.
Despite the setback, Russell made a strong start in the wet conditions and climbed to fourth during the opening stages. However, his outing took an unexpected turn after Mercedes brought him into the pits to switch to slick tyres under crossover conditions.
As he was making his way onto the track on slick rubber, Russell lost control of his car at the pit lane exit and spun, dropping down to eighth place as a result.
When rain returned late in the race, the 28-year-old was the first driver to pit for intermediate tyres, helping him recover a few positions. He eventually crossed the finish line in fourth after his teammate Kimi Antonelli allowed him through.
George Russell Prioritizes Mercedes’ Championship Victory Over Individual Result
Despite missing out on a podium, the eight-time F1 race winner had reasons to be satisfied with his performance after the Brazil race. He highlighted his pace in qualifying and his performance on the soft tyres as positive signs.
“It’s been a very positive weekend in terms of my performance. I’m probably more happy coming away from the weekend, because the performance was good,” the Briton said.
“At this stage, I care more about the performance than I care about the result, because that’s what’s been my weak point.”
With both drivers finishing in the top five, outscoring Ferrari by more than three points, Mercedes officially secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, with three rounds still left in the season.
“An incredible achievement from everyone in the team. We had four tough years, and to come through and take the championship is really, really great,” Russell said on winning the ninth championship for Mercedes.
George Russell has now moved to third place in the drivers’ standings, 17 points behind Max Verstappen, who delivered a remarkable comeback, charging from 21st on the grid to finish in second place.
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