Russell addresses Mercedes F1 fear after ‘unnecessary’ crashes

George Russell insists Mercedes are not in danger of breaching the F1 cost cap, despite “unnecessary” crashes in recent weeks. 

Russell crashed heavily in qualifying for the United States GP, destroying his set of fresh upgrades, as he was forced to return to the Silverstone-spec for the US and Mexico City races, as Lewis Hamilton remained on the new-spec.

In Mexico City, Russell crashed heavily again in FP2, forcing a chassis change as yet more pressure was put on Mercedes’ spare parts – with 2025 racer Andrea Kimi Antonelli also suffering a big crash in practice at the Italian GP. 

After the accident in Mexico, Russell soothed any concerns of a potential cost cap breach from the team.

“I was using the kerb every lap in FP1 and I did four laps using the kerb [in FP2], and there was no problem,” he told media including RacingNews365.

“And then suddenly, I hit it and it was like I was a kangaroo, and that was really disappointing. 

“The last two weeks, I’ve put so much pressure on the team and now there is a lack of spares and it’s been pretty unnecessary. 

“We really don’t know why it is happening, it is not through over-driving, it is just the car bites.

“There is no concern over the budget cap, because we’ve always got a margin, and you are always weighing up what you put into this season versus what you put into next.”

Positive news

Despite the damage sustained by the new floor in the Austin accident, Russell is confident that it will be repaired and back available for the Sao Paulo GP at Interlagos.

“We may have to compromise over the rest of this season, which to be honest, I’m probably in favour of because we are not fighting for a championship,” he said.

“I’d be more than happy staying on the old floor if that gives us a better chance into next year, but I think we will be able to repair the floor from Austin, that is the plan.

“It wasn’t as bad as we initially expected, and it should be out in Brazil.”