George Russell crashes out of Singapore GP Sprint whereas main in F1 setback for Mercedes
George Russell crashed out of the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint while leading the race, with the Mercedes driver slamming into the wall at the end of the second lap in the wet conditions
George Russell crashed out while in the lead(Image: Sky Sports)
George Russell crashed out while leading the Sprint race in Singapore. Saturday’s shortened race, postponed by roughly half an hour due to torrential rain before the start, commenced with Russell executing a brilliant getaway from second on the grid.
He overtook pole-sitter Max Verstappen before they even reached the opening corner and, despite the treacherous conditions, the entire field navigated through unscathed.
However, it was at the conclusion of the second lap that everything fell apart for Russell. As he approached the final corner, the Mercedes driver went wide and clipped a painted line where standing water remained.
He lost control of the rear and the car smashed into the barrier, bringing his Sprint race to an abrupt end.
George Russell during practice yesterday (Image: Anni Graf – Formula 1, Formula 1 via Getty Images)
He was swift to get on the radio to confirm he was unhurt and to say sorry four times for squandering the opportunity to claim Sprint victory.
Russell stood with his hands on his hips in frustration after exiting his car and walking away from the wreckage, reports the Express.
He was just one of five drivers whose races concluded simultaneously in multiple incidents. There was also a collision further down the field between Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez which resulted in both retiring from the Sprint.
Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar was instructed to halt his car after reporting an issue with engine braking. He complied, pulling over at a marshal post and driving through a gate taking him and his Red Bull back to the paddock, while some marshals waved at him and attempted to prevent him from proceeding any further.
And Franco Colapinto was the other unlucky driver to suffer an early finish to the Sprint. His Alpine completely cut out on its own, with a suspected electrical fault.
The car ended up stranded in the middle of the circuit, creating another situation that required clearing up while the remaining field continued to tour behind the safety car.
