Russell happy for 2024 sacrifices after "unnecessary" crashes
Russell suggested Mercedes could save money on repair costs by running older components after Mexico FP2 crash
Marshals remove the damaged car of George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
George Russell has suggested he would be in favour of Mercedes compromising the rest of this Formula 1 season to gain an advantage into 2025 as the team deals with the fallout of several high-profile crashes.
Mercedes' repair costs have been mounting up of late after Andrea Kimi Antonelli's Monza practice crash, the Austin shunt sustained by Russell in qualifying, and his latest prang in Mexico's FP2 session.
This led Toto Wolff to tell Sky Germany of his fear that Mercedes would struggle against the budget cap with further crashes.
Given the situation, Russell said he would be happy to stick with his current car specification - now running Miami-spec parts after his crash - to save cash for next season.
"There's no concerns with budget cap because we've always got a bit of margin and you're always weighing up what you put into this season versus what you put into next season," Russell said after securing fifth on the grid for the Mexican GP.
"We may have to compromise over the rest of this season, which to be honest I'd probably be in favour of because we're not fighting for a championship.
"I'd be more than happy staying on the old floor if that gives us a better chance into next year.
George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
"But I think we'll be able to repair the floor from Austin. I think that's the plan. It wasn't as bad as we initially expected and that should be out in Brazil."
Russell was surprised that he was able to qualify fifth with older components and that the team was taken aback by its pace from FP1 before the Briton's incident during the second Friday session.
Recounting the FP2 incident, he explained: "The last two years, I've been using that kerb every lap. In FP1, I did four laps using the kerb, and there was no problem and then suddenly I hit it and it was like I was a kangaroo.
"That was really disappointing. For the last two weeks, I've put so much pressure on the team now with the lack of spares and it's been pretty unnecessary.
"But we don't really know why it's happening. It's not through sort of overdriving. It's just the car bites."
Share Or Save This Story
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
The remnant of the V10 era in F1's previous switch to V8 engines
Is Pierre Gasly underrated?
George Russell reacts to Max Verstappen contemplating his F1 future
Martin Brundle: If I were George Russell I'd be concerned about Kimi Antonelli
Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?
Doriane Pin reflects on "unreal" maiden F1 test: "An extremely emotional day"
Susie Wolff sends heartfelt message to Doriane Pin for Mercedes F1 test
‘Piedi per terra’ – the serious message behind Toto Wolff’s joke with Italian media
F1 bosses explain long-term push to fill 24-race calendar
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Why this quintessential late-1970s F1 car stands out in the history of the Tyrrell team
Martin Brundle opens up on the brutal moment he learned he had lost his F1 seat
Why this quintessential late-1970s F1 car stands out in the history of the Tyrrell team
The political shift that will determine F1's next engine formula
Is it now or never for Russell in hunt for F1 title?
The top 11 lost F1 victories after the flag
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments