Martin Brundle defends Russell after Mexico GP media absence

Martin Brundle has defended George Russell for missing the post-race media pen at the Mexico City Grand Prix, saying he did not blame the Mercedes driver for avoiding the press after team-mate Kimi Antonelli clinched the drivers’ title.

Mercedes had given Russell permission to skip the FIA-mandated appearance, but the FIA had not authorised his absence and the team was fined €5,000. Before leaving the circuit, Russell congratulated Antonelli and his family beneath the podium.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle called facing the media “a step too far” for Russell. He cited possible questions about how Russell felt and whether this was the end of the road for him, and said the press has unusually broad access to F1 drivers.

Brundle said Russell had waited a long time for a place in Mercedes’ works team and argued that Antonelli’s rise had affected Russell’s performance. He also noted that Antonelli had suffered reliability problems and retirements of his own.