Russell Skips Media Duties as Antonelli Becomes World Champion

Mercedes has excused George Russell from media duties following the Mexico City Grand Prix. The team first announced the decision without giving a reason, and then team principal Toto Wolff explained the situation. Wolff said he saw Russell at the FIA weigh-in and that the driver was very affected by what had happened.

Russell had started the season as a championship favourite, but Antonelli clearly outperformed him. Antonelli finished third in Sunday's race and became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history at the age of 20. The title was secured with four rounds of the season still to run.

Starting second on the grid, Russell could not get a good start due to a technical issue outside his control and dropped to sixth on the first lap. On the same lap, he made contact with Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar and received a 10-second time penalty. Russell finished the race sixth.

After the race, Russell was among the first to congratulate Antonelli and hugged the Italian driver. He then left the track without fulfilling his media duties.