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Russell explains post-race media absence after Mexico GP

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-06GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

George Russell said he left the Mexican Grand Prix circuit because he was upset about missing a chance at a good result and felt his title bid was already over. Toto Wolff had approved his departure, but Mercedes was fined €5,000 by the FIA.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

George Russell left the Mexico City circuit shortly after Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix rather than attend the post-race media sessions. He said he was upset about missing a chance at a good result and felt his title challenge was already over.

Speaking to F1.com at Interlagos ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Russell said he “didn’t really fancy it on this occasion”. He wanted to leave, have dinner and think about something other than the season. Getting away, he said, was the best way to pick himself back up.

Russell had congratulated team-mate Kimi Antonelli on clinching his maiden world championship before leaving. Toto Wolff had given him the go-ahead to leave, but the FIA fined Mercedes €5,000 for his absence from the media duties.

With the drivers’ title settled, Russell was still in the fight for second ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, while Mercedes had yet to clinch the constructors’ championship.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEGeorge Russell breaks silence on Mexican GP media absence after Mercedes fineMotorsport.com F1