Wolff defends Russell after wet Singapore Sprint crash

George Russell crashed out of the lead on the opening lap of Saturday's rain-affected Singapore Sprint, leaving Mercedes mechanics with a rushed rebuild before qualifying. After qualifying, team principal Toto Wolff defended him in an interview with Sky Sports F1. Wolff said the power came in when Russell did not expect it and that the car was on the white line; he also said judging corner speed while running first was difficult.

Russell himself accepted responsibility for the crash. He said he misjudged the final corner: as he accelerated, he got more power from the battery than expected, ran slightly wide and touched the white line. He described the mistake as silly and said he had been overconfident.

The mechanics repaired damage to the suspension and bodywork in time for qualifying. Wolff praised their work, but said the team might not have had all the sensors on the car by the end of the rebuild; he added that it did not feel as good as before.

Russell nevertheless qualified sixth. A mandatory engine penalty means he will start Sunday's Grand Prix from the back.