Russell retires late in Bahrain GP in Malaysia as Wolff apologises
George Russell’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ended with a late mechanical retirement after he had been on course for a podium. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff apologised after the failure, while Russell said his title hopes now look increasingly unlikely.
Russell’s race in Bahrain in Malaysia ended in a late retirement because of a mechanical problem, with reports describing it as an engine or power unit failure. The issue denied the Mercedes driver a podium finish and prompted a disappointed reaction from both Russell and team boss Toto Wolff.
According to the reports, Wolff said he was not in a happy place after the result and apologised for how the race unfolded. Russell also voiced frustration, saying this kind of setback had happened too many times and that his championship chances are now exceptionally unlikely.
Autosport reported that Russell started seventh at Sepang but climbed to second at the first corner after Mercedes chose intermediate tyres on a damp track and he made a strong start. Even so, the late failure ended what had looked set to be one of his strongest results of the event.
Sources (6)
Summaries are synthesized by F1 Hub from the linked sources. Follow the links above to read the full reporting at each outlet.