Brazilian GP: Clarkson says Russell walked out of post-qualifying press conference

George Russell stood up and walked out of the press conference after qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix, before it had ended, press-conference host Tom Clarkson said. Clarkson recounted the moment on the F1 Nation podcast, saying he had asked Russell about a lap the driver abandoned on the instruction of race engineer Marcus Dudley. Clarkson said Russell had simply had enough of answering questions.

Russell qualified second. His engineer had told him to abandon his fastest lap and try again just as the rain intensified, ending his best chance at pole. On team radio, Russell rejected congratulations for second and said the lap had been good enough for pole.

Clarkson said he thought Russell should calm down because the reaction would work against him. He also referred to Russell’s spin in the pit lane during the race.

During the previous race weekend in Mexico, Russell had also missed his post-race media commitments. He and his team said at the time that he was completely drained.