George Russell offers nine-word response to huge Mercedes fire

Formula One preview: A lap of the Australian Grand Prix

George Russell has issued a simple nine-word reaction after he was forced out of the Australian Grand Prix. The Mercedes star retired from the race after flames erupted from the rear end of his W14.

The problem is Russell’s first retirement from a mechanical failure since he joined Mercedes last year. Posting on social media, the 25-year-old said: “When it’s not your day, it’s not your day.” 

In a touching message to Russell, Mercedes replied: “Did such a good job this weekend George. Lots to be proud of.” According to Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz, Mercedes have confirmed the issue was a regular power unit failure.

Russell had enjoyed a good start to the race as he took the lead on lap one in a great overtake on Max Verstappen. 

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The former Williams driver was then plagued with bad luck after pitting behind a safety car which dropped him back to P7. The safety car was called after Alex Albon crashed at turn six which chucked debris and gravel all over the racetrack. 

Organisers then decided to upgrade the safety car to a red flag soon after to allow race officials to clear up debris and clear the circuit of gravel.

This allowed Verstappen and Hamilton to put on fresh tyres without needing to pit which meant Russell lost out. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did apologise to Russell moments after the red flag was deployed.

He commented over team radio: “Sorry, George. That screwed us. But we can still go to the front and the podium or better.” 

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But, Russell refused to blame Mercedes bosses for the unfortunate incident, replying: “Yeah, not your fault guys.” 

Mercedes had lacked pace earlier in the weekend but turned things around with an epic performance in qualifying. Russell lined up P2 with Hamilton third but the Silver Arrows were running first and second before the red flag.

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